by Dennis Principe

Boxing has helped Mexican challenger Gilberto Parra to come out of poverty and raise his own family in a modest way.

 

Saturday night in Manila, Parra plans to give his wife Victoria and daughter Kendra a much better life as he attempts to snatch the world lightflyweight crown from longtime champion Donnie Nietes of the Philippines. ‘

 

“Before I was a boxer my dad was a fisherman who gave us a good life and I’m very proud of him. Now I have a kid and a wife. After this Saturday I would be able to give them a good life,too,” said Parra. “It will change everything in my life and career. A win will put me among the elite champions and I know I can make it. I am well-prepared.”

 

The Ciudad Obregon, Sonora-native Parra has lost only twice in a 22-fight career and has won four of his last five outings, the last one ended in a draw due to a cut suffered by the Mexican boxer.

 

Parra (19-2, 17 knockouts) is confident he can extend his winning streak this weekend in a huge way.

 

“He’s just another fighter for me. Yes he is the best in this division but this Saturday it will be only between him and me. I will take this win because I’ve prepared well for this fight,” said Parra.

 

Parra however will be in for a tough challenge as apart from fighting for the first time outside of Mexico, he will be facing a seven-year world champion who clobbered three of Parra’s compatriots right in their own backyard.

 

The 32-year-old Nietes (34-1-4, 20 KO’s) is best remembered for successfully defending his world minimumweight crown in Mexico against local pugs Erik Ramirez, Manuel “Chango” Vargas and Mario Rodriguez from 2009 to 2010.

 

The 12-round WBO lightflyweight championships between Nietes and Parra will serve as the main event of “Pinoy Pride 30” to be staged Saturday night at the famed Araneta Coliseum.