PH boxer Oliva faces unbeaten Nery in crossroads battle

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Jether Oliva will get a chance to boost himself in the ratings when he faces unbeaten Mexican Luis Nery in a ten-round junior bantamweight fight at the Convention Center in Rosarito, Mexico on Saturday, February 28. 

The 27-year-old Oliva (22-2, 10 knockouts) had been training in General Santos City for a fight on March 8 when his promoter Jim Claude Manangquil received a call from Mexico for a bigger opportunity. 

The left-handed Nery (15-0, 10 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico has knocked out 5 of his last 6 opponents but settled for a split decision against Victor Mendez last August. Nery is promoted by Zanfer Promotions, which also handles Juan Manuel Marquez. 

(READ: Boxer Jether Oliva hopes second chance at title is the charm)

Oliva, a former national amateur team member, has won twice since traveling to South Africa in March of 2014 and nearly pulling off the upset against former IBF flyweight titleholder Moruti Mthalane, dropping a split decision. 

While Nery has yet to face a name opponent, Oliva has the experience of going 12 rounds in a losing effort against International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior flyweight titleholder Ulises Solis in 2011.

“His opponent is an undefeated and hungry fighter. But one thing his opponent lacks is experience,” Manangquil said of Nery. “I think Jether can beat him with experience.”

Nery is rated no. 8 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) while Oliva is rated no. 14 by the WBA and no. 10 by the IBF. – Rappler.com