Nietes is coming off a unanimous decision win over Juan Alejo last Oct. 17 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California to retain his WBO, Lineal & The Ring Light Flyweight titles.
The 34-year-old native of Murcia, Negros Occidental, Philippines is the longest-reigning Filipino world boxing champion having surpassed Filipino legendary champion Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s record of seven years and three months after beating Carlos Velarde of Mexico in 2014.
Nietes has been tagged “Mexican Destroyer” by Filipino as well as Mexican boxing fans for having fought and won over 14 Mexican opponents starting with Mexican challenger Erik Ramirez in 2009.
On May 28, 2016, Nietes aims to register his 15th win against Rayito Garcia, another Mexican challenger who is a former IBF minimum weight world champion.
Nietes’ dominance over Mexican fighters is puzzling to many Mexican boxing fans as they try to look around for someone who can put to halt his embarrassing domination over them.
Nietes has fought at least three times in Mexico to dispel rumors that he won’t have a chance against Mexican fighters because of perceived hometown decisions favoring local fighters. Nietes has won at least three fights in Mexico during his 29-fight winning streak (with three draws) since his lone loss to Angky Angkota of Indonesia in 2004.
Garcia, who is the twin brother of former WBO light flyweight champion Ramón García Hirales is a tough opponent for Nietes. While they are both veteran fighters having fought over 40 pro fights each, Garcia, who is a southpaw has a slight advantage in reach and is determined to end Nietes’s continuing dominance over fellow Mexican fighters.
But Nietes’ coach Edmund Villamor said his 34-year old fighter is in top condition and ready to defend his title.,
“He’s ready, his condition is 100 percent,” said Villamor, who thinks Rayito is the better fighter compared to his twin brother.
“We focused on his speed and footwork so that it will go together with his timing,” Villamor added.
Nietes is set to move up to the next weight limit in hope of facing pound-for-pound king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez down the road.
