By Ronnie Nathanielsz

World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, who has been elevated to the  prestigious “Flash” Elorde Hall of Fame, faces former WBC International Silver champion Luis “Gallo” Ceja on March 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ceja won the title with a smashing 5th round knockout of Alejandro Morales whose eye was swollen from round three and was dropped towards in the end of round four and refused to come out for the fifth round on February 9, 2013.

However, Ceja lost the title via a twelve round unanimous decision to Jose Alfredo Zuniga on June 8 that same year.

The 24 year old Ceja has a record 26-5-3 with 21 knockouts indicating the Mexican can punch.

Ceja is coming off a split decision win over eight rounds against Juan Antonio Hernandez last June 14 after dropping an eight round decision to tough, world-rated Saul Juarez who gave Milan Melindo a tough fight before the classy Melindo won the IBF title eliminator by a twelve round unanimous decision.

He also scored an impressive 2nd round TKO over Eduardo Cruz Munoz in a scheduled eight round bout on April 26, 2014.

ALA  Promotions president Michael Aldeguer confirmed the Nietes title defense and so did Ceja’manager Antonio Lozada who has been to the Philippines quite a few times.
Lozada revealed he had received the fight contract and had signed and sent it back to Aldeguer.

Lozada who was quoted by journalist Salvador Rodriguez  said “we know that Nietes is a very strong fighter and enjoys the concession of fighting at home but Ceja is motivated by this opportunity and we know we have the quality to surprise Nietes.”

Nietes who won the light flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Ramon Garcia Hirales in October 2011 has successfully defended his title five times which include big wins over Mexico’s Moises Fuentes in a rematch in which Nietes dropped Fuentes three times en route to a spectacular knockout and also dominated former Silver champion Samuel Gutierrez whom he dropped twice in round one and once in round three en route to a 3rd round TKO and hammered Carlos Velarde who retired in the 7th round.

The 32 year old Nietes who wants to continue his reign as world champion for another three years has a record of 34-1-4, 20 KO’s.