By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Boxing champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes of Murcia was given a hero’s welcome in Bacolod City yesterday after his win over World Boxing Organization Super Flyweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka last year at the Wynn Palace in Macau.

The four-division world champion held a press conference yesterday, alongside Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Bacolod Amateur Boxing Association President Juan Ramon Guanzon, and Nietes’ father Josue.

Nietes said he did not expect to earn such success in boxing as he was the “smallest” during his childhood days. However, despite hardships, the boxer said he dedicated himself to training and improving his capabilities.

When asked if boxing helped him uplift the lives of his family, Nietes said he was able to provide a business for his parents and build a new house.

Nietes also credited Cebu-based ALA boxing promotions for his success./DGB, WDJ