By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Veteran Jack Reiss has been named as referee for the World Boxing Organization light flyweight title defense of Donnie “Ahas” Nietes against Mexico’s Carlos Velarde at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu on November 15.
WBO president Franciso “Paco” Valcarcel said the respected Reiss will be third man in the ring while the judges will be Levi Martinez, Japan’s Masakasu Murase and the Philippines Salven Lagumbay.
Fight supervisor will be the head of the WBO Asia Pacific region Leon Panoncillo.
Reiss was one of the judges when Nietes faced former WBC Silver champion Sammy Gutierrez in November 2013 when Nietes dropped Gutierrez twice in round one and once in round three before referee Robert Byrd called a halt to the fight.
Viva Sports will telecast a one hour pre-fight special over Pinoy Box Office (PBO) on Sky Cable at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday with a replay on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Fight fans will get a chance to size up Velarde in two fights while the program will also feature highlights of Nietes' WBO minimum title win against Thai champion Pornsawan Porpramook (Kratingdaenggym) which began his undefeated run of seven years, one month and fifteen days when he faces Velarde.
Milan Melindo who has moved down to light flyweight will battle another Mexican Saul Juarez who will also be featured on the show.
