By Dennis Principe

AFTER years of playing second fiddle to popular Filipino champions Nonito Donaire, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, longtime world light flyweight ruler Donnie Nietes has finally gotten the accolades he truly deserves.

 

This after Nietes received a prestigious ring from the World Boxing Organization (WBO) during the weigh-in of his upcoming title defense in Cebu.

 

WBO President Paco Valcarcel was on hand to personally bequeath the ring to Nietes, currently the longest reigning world titleholder in Philippine boxing history whose uninterrupted run has now reached seven years and eight months.

 

Valcarcel said they have given the ring to a select number of world boxing champions namely Joe Calzaghe, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao, Vitali Klitschko and Oscar De La Hoya.

 

“It’s how we recognize you as a champion and as a human being. Sometimes you have fighters who have seven, eight title defenses but are not role models,” said Valcarcel. “Nietes is a great human being and a great world champion.”

 

The 14-karat gold ring, said to be worth around 15 to 20 thousand dollars and is encrusted with rubies, emeralds and diamonds.

 

The recognition came at a time when Nietes is about to headline a card that is on track to surpass other Pinoy Pride events in terms of gate attendance.

 

“We’re well on our way to achieving that and we expect more ticket buyers come fight night,” said ALA President Michael Aldeguer.

 

Nietes is set to defend his WBO lightflyweight tiara against mandatory challenger Francisco Rodriguez of Mexico Saturday night at the posh Waterfront Hotel in Cebu.