Nietes Defense Eyed For Manila, Sabillo Likely in Dubai

by Ronnie Nathanielsz

ALA Promotions plans to stage WBO minimumweight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo’s second title defense in Dubai sometime in late October after a title defense of WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes in September in Manila, possibly at the Solaire Resort and Casino overlooking Manila Bay.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard on his arrival from Macau that Nietes cannot wait until October to fight so he decided to stage his fight in Manila in September because no venues are available and no dates open in Dubai.

He still hasn’t firmed up details regarding the opponents of Nietes and Sabillo.
Sabillo  won the title with an 8th round TKO of Luis De La Rosa of Colombia last March 9 and then defended it successfully against another Colombian fighter Jorlie Estrada with a crushing one-punch 9th round knockout at the plush S olaire Resort and Casino on July 13.

The 29 year old Sabillo is undefeated with a record of 23-0 with 12 knockouts.

Nietes has reigned as WBO minimum weight and light flyweight champion since September 30, 2007 when he won the 105 pound title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Thailand’s Pornsawan Porpramook.

The 31 year old Nietes then won the WBO light flyweight title with a close twelve round unanimous decision over Mexico’s Ramon Garcia Hirales in Bacolod City on October 8, 2011.

He retained his title with a majority draw against Moises Fuentes last March 2 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu last March 2. Nietes has a record of 31-1-4 with 17 knockouts.