Nietes, ALA pugs ready for PP 14

Donnie Nietes returns to the ring after a seven-month hiatus while two other ALA Gym stalwarts look for impressive showings in the Pinoy Pride 14: Night of Champions on June 2 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort World in Manila.

Nietes was less than impressive in his last outing, where he pulled off a hard-earned unanimous win over Ramon Hirales Garcia in Oct. 9 last year at the La Salle Gym in Bacolod City.

Nietes, the second longest reigning world champion next to Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, will try to make up for that so-so performance when he faces former world champion Felipe Salguero for the WBO light flyweight championship.

“I felt the pressure. I was thinking how shameful it could be if I lose in my hometown,” said Nietes, referring to his previous fight during yesterday’s press conference at the City Sports Club-Cebu Gym.

Nietes (33W-1L-3D-16KOs) will be be putting his 19-fight winning streak on the line against Salguero, who has a decent record with 16 wins (11KOS), two losses and one draw.

In the main undercard, Milan Melindo (26W-10KOs) will try to protect his unbeaten record against former WBO light flyweight champion Jesus Gelez of Colombia.

The two will fight for the WBO International flyweight championship.

“I won’t predict a knockout win but this is going to be a good fight. I prepared hard for this and I’ll do my best to win,” said Melindo.

Should he hurdle Gelez (13W-2L-1D-5KOs), Melindo could be in a collision course with Brian Viloria, the current WBO flyweight champion.

“We wouldn’t want Milan to face a fellow Filipino boxer but if it happens, so be it. Let’s wait what will be Viloria’s plan in the coming days. It’s a wait-and-see situation for Milan,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.

Also in for a big fight is the undefeated Geneses Servania (17W-5KOs), who takes on Mexico’s Genaro Garcia for the WBC international silver super-bantamweight championship.

“I already studied his fight. I have to be well-prepared because he is really a tough fighter,” said Servania.

Servania’s opponent was the Genaro Garcia who was contracted by ALA Promotions to face Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista last March 3 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

A wrong and inept Genaro Garcia arrived, giving Bautista a handy second-round knockout win.

The card will also pit Arthur Vilanueva against Jeffrey Cerna, Ralph Lulu against Boyce Sultan, Arjan Canillas versus Warren Manbuanag, Juren Labordo against Fel Morales and Takaoki Noma versus Eljohn Evangelista.