NIETES JOINS MTK GLOBAL

Donnie Nietes shouldn’t be idle anymore as he has found a new home in MTK Global and D4G Promotions. This breaking news was shared by Nietes’s new managers as the four-division world champion joined fellow ex-ALA Boxing stablemate Albert Pagara in the Dubai-based outfit. “MTK Global and D4G Promotions are delighted to announce the signing of four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes,” the statement read.

Nietes (42-1-5, 23 KOs), who holds the record as the longest reigning Filipino world champion in the history of Philippine boxing, has been idle since defending his World Boxing Organization super flyweight championship on December 31, 2018 against Katzuo Ioka of Japan. He later relinquished the belt, hoping to set a title fight with the biggest names of the 115-pound division, but this never happened. This has made the itch to fight so much more intense. “I want to be back as soon as possible. Whether it be December or January. I am currently preparing already and I am pleased to be going back in the ring after two years. I will bring pride to MTK Global, D4G Promotions and my country Philippines,” the pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental said.

MTK Global Chief Strategy Officer Paul Gibson expressed his joy in signing up Nietes. “We’re delighted to again be teaming up with our friends at D4G Promotions to work alongside boxing legend Donnie Nietes. He’s already had tremendous success in his career having won world titles in four-weight classes, and we’re confident of securing some huge fights for him in the always-entertaining super-flyweight division.”

For his part, Ahmed A. Seddiqi of D4G Promotions said that they’re ready to stage big fights for Nietes. “There are some massive fights out there for him, and we are looking forward to seeing him showcase his skills when he makes his long-awaited return in the near future.” “News on when Nietes will have his first fight as an MTK Global and D4G Promotions fighter will be announced in due course,” the statement added.

Nietes, who turned 38 years old last May, indicated that he signed up with his new handlers for two years and continues to stay in shape. When asked about how he has been working out, the former janitor turned world champion replied, “100 km lang gi bike nako karon.” (I just biked 100km today).

Admitting that he wasn’t aware of this latest development, ALA Boxing founder Antonio Aldeguer wished Nietes well. “Whatever Donnie has done lately for his career, I am sure he knows what is best. He is intelligent and disciplined. My best wishes and prayers go to Donnie on whatever decisions he will make on his boxing career,” ALA said.

Nietes won world titles at the minimumweight (105 pounds), light flyweight (108), flyweight (112) and super flyweight (115) divisions. He was a mainstay of the Pinoy Pride series of boxing events promoted by ALA Promotions.

Photo: MTK Global