By Adrian Stewart Co

Negrense boxer Donnie Nietes was one of the Filipino boxers that were feted during the annual Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards Banquet of Champions on Monday night at the Okada Manila Hotel and Casino in Parañaque City.
The Murcia, Negros Occidental native Nietes was given an Award of Distinction for clinching the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight title against Japanese Kazuto Ioka last December.
Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion, have already relinquish the world championship last month after failing to strike a deal for a rematch with fellow Negrense Aston Palicte.
“I want to thank Sir Ala [Antonio Aldeguer] and Sir Mike [Aldeguer[ of ALA Boxing Promotions. If not for them, I will not be able to win my fourth world championship,” Nietes said.
“I am very grateful to the Elorde Family, especially to Sir Johnny Elorde and ma’am Laura Elorde for giving me citation for my victory against Kazuto Ioka,” added the Negrense boxer.
After letting go of his world championship, Nietes, who has 42-1-5 win-loss-draw card, including 23 knockout wins, is hoping to strike a fight with the bigger names in the super flyweight division later this year./ASC, WDJ