By Ronnie Nathanielsz

 

Classy world-rated Donnie Nietes defends his WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight title against tough Thai challenger Tongthalek Por Vorasing in the main event of an exciting fight card which will serve as the inauguration of the spanking new Victorias City Stadium in Negros Occidental.

 

Promoted by well-known boxing figure Sammy Gello-ani in cooperation with Viva Sports and the Victorias City Government the fights will be telecast on the top-rated weekly boxing show “Main Event” sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and telecast on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. over RPN 9. The fights will be replayed on the sports and entertainment cable channel Viva Prime, also on Sundays at 10:00.

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In the main supporting bout promising Mark Jason Melligen, the No.1 contender will battle No. 6 Christopher Saluday for the vacant Philippine super lightweight crown.

 

In what promises to a fight that could well  steal the limelight talented Gretchen Abaniel who won her first two fights and is managed and trained by former Australian fighter Terrence Mogg, clashes with Nelita Tananza in a four round light flyweight bout.

 

In an eight rounder featuring two promising  young fighters Franklin Albia who has a record of 5-1 clashes with Marjo Borres who totes a  4-1 record while Reman Salim who like Albia is also from Bacolod City and  has 5 KO’s in 15 wins with 5 losses faces Rico Genon of Butuan City.

 

Nietes is making the first defense of the title he won last November 24 with a spectacular second round knockout of Indonesia’s Heri Amol while Tongthalek is coming off a sixth round KO win over Mongkoldum Siskrupech last December 19.

 

Nietes was scheduled to fight for the IBF title of Muhammad Rachman but the Indonesians broke off negotiations when they realized how good Nietes was. In the end the IBF named another Filipino, Florante Condes as mandatory challenger and when negotiations again broke down the IBF ordered a purse bid which was won by Warriors Promotions for a mere $25,000.