Nietes seeks WBO crown vs Carrillo in Dubai

Donnie Nietes adds another chapter to his ring legacy when he tangles with Colombian Pablo Carrillo on April 3 at the Caesars Palace in Dubai, UAE.

Out of action for over two years, the four-division world champion will be aiming for the vacant World Boxing Organization international super flyweight crown.

Whether Nietes still packs the same speed and power at 38 years old will only be known when he trades punches with Carrillo, who is 32.

But according to Edito Villamor, brother of Nietes’ chief trainer Edmund, the pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental is still sharp and ready for the 12-round bout arranged for him by D4G Promotions.

Nietes last fought in December 2018, when he bested Kazuto Ioka by split decision to clinch the vacant WBO crown in Macao.

Carrillo, who is nearly 3 inches shorter than the 5-foot-3 Nietes, also lost to Ioka by unanimous decision in 2014.

Another common foe is Francis Rodriguez Jr, who stopped Carrillo in 2018. In contrast, Nietes beat Rodriguez by unanimous decision in 2015.

“He has sparred over 100 rounds and is just a few pounds off the limit,” said Edito, who together with Edmund run the Villamor Brothers Boxing Gym in Mandaue, where Nietes trains.

Nietes has gone unbeaten since 2004 en route to a 42-1-5 record with 23 knockouts. Carrillo is 25-7-1 with 16 knockouts. – Rappler.com