By Adrian Stewart Co

Amid negotiations for a possible rematch with fellow Negrense boxer Aston Palicte, World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight championship Donnie Nietes yesterday decided to vacate the title.

“After thinking hard about it for a long time, I have decided to vacate my WBO super flyweight belt,” said the Murcia native. “There is no point to do the rematch with Aston Palicte after the controversial draw.”

“I hope to seek bigger fights with the world champions of the other organizations,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nietes said the decision to withdraw from the title would provide his would-be opponent, a native of Bago City, opportunity to “fight for the world title.”

After Palicte defeated Puerto Rican fighter Jose Martinez in an eliminator bout last month in California, the win set up a rematch between the two Negrense fighters.

The two fought last September in a bout that ended in a split draw./ASC, WDJ