by Ronnie Nathanielsz
The title defense of the longest reigning Filipino world champion, WBO light flyweight king Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, has been postponed by one week to July 11 after mandatory challenger Francisco Rodriguez suffered a reported minor ankle injury in training.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told the New Standard/BoxingScene.com that the handlers of Rodriguez headed by Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran had informed him of the injury to Rodriguez and submitted a medical certificate while seeking the postponement.
The fight will take place at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu on the new date which is unlikely to make a difference to Nietes who has been training since April and looked in terrific condition when Viva Sports watched him spar at the ALA Gym in Balete Drive, Quezon City last week.
The 33 year old Nietes has made it clear he would like to shut the mouth of the cocky Rodriguez and avenge the loss of his close friend Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo who lost the minimum weight title to Rodriguez by a 10th round TKO on March 22, 2014.