BACOLOD City – The city government congratulated Donnie Nietes when he arrived in this capital yesterday following his recent victory in the WBO Super Flyweight World Championship.
Nietes defeated Japanese boxer Kazuto Ioka in their match on Dec. 31 at Wynne Palace Cotai in Macau.
It was the fourth world championship title for the Murcia, Negros Occidental native, which made him the third Filipino boxer to achieve the feat alongside Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia lauded Nietes during yesterday’s press conference at Northwest Inn.
“[Nietes’ victory] is something that we can really be proud of,” the mayor said.
With Leonardia were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and Bacolod lone district representative Greg Gasataya. Some councilors were present, too.
Nietes thanked the city government for the warm welcome.
The 36-year-old ring man is a product of the Negros Amateur Boxing Association which is now known as the Bacolod Amateur Boxing Association (BABA).
President Monju Guanzon said the city government has allocated this year P2 million worth of financial assistance to BABA, higher compared to P1.5 million in 2018.
“We must thankful to BABA because they are here to help our potential boxers,” said Familiaran./PN
