For the third time, World Boxing Organization mini-weight Donnie Nietes’ scheduled world title defense in Mexico against interim champion Manuel Vargas was postponed from Aug. 1 to September 5.

ALA Promotions chief Tony Aldeguer yesterday confirmed the news, adding that the postponement will certainly have some adverse effect on Nietes’ condition and mental preparedness.

“But he is still ready to do battle,” Aldeguer said, adding that ALA Promotions will come up with its own solution if the Sept. 5 schedule will be moved to a later date again.

“The biggest problem is logistic, caused by the global financial crises,” he added.

The 27-year-old Negrense world champion was all set to conquer Mexico for the second time, after winning a unanimous decision against Mexican Erik Ramirez in February, but his departure from the US, where he has been training for months, was derailed after fight sponsors backed out.

The title defense bout was originally scheduled on May 16 but was moved to July 18 due to the outbreak of A(H1N1) virus. It was reset to Aug. 1 but the schedule was again cancelled.

“We will just come up with our solution if it happens again,” Aldeguer said.

Meanwhile, the cancellation saddened Nietes’ supporters in Bacolod City, where he was awarded the “Dungganon nga Bacolodnon” citation last year during the Masskara Festival.

Games and Amusement Board commissioner and Negros Amateur Boxing Association president Juan Ramon Guanzon said it is lamentable and very unfortunate for the Murcia-born boxer to have his title defense postponed for the third time.

Nietes’ conquest of Ramirez in February, Guanzon said, legitimized his stake in world boxing.

Meanwhile, ALA Promotions announced that Nietes will be joined by Z Gorres in Mexico on Sept. 5 as both fighters are listed in the undercards of Top Rank’s “Latin Fury” boxing event.*NAB

back to top

Nietes fight in Mexico postponed anew
Mulo Aircon takes lead as Sharp bowlfest starts
Jones Cup reveals Team RP’s flaws