Despite the uncertainty of his first title defense, Negrense world boxing champion Donnie Nietes is training without let-up to ensure that he will step into the ring in the best possible shape.

Nietes, the World Boxing Organization mini flyweight champion, has been penciled to face Colombia’s Daniel Reyes in an April 18 card in Dubai, but organizers of the event have expressed concern that the card, headlined by Filipino world champion Nonito Donaire, will not push through because of budget constraints.

Nietes, of Murcia town and Bacolod City, said he expects to receive word from the organizers on March 31 on whether the card will go on as scheduled.

“Of course, you get affected by these distractions. But I am still making sure that I will be ready for the fight,” Nietes told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview.

“My preparations are on track,” Nietes, who is in Manila to receive his boxer of the year award during the annual Elorde Awards Night, said.

If the fight in Dubai will not push through, Nietes said he may face the Colombian challenger on May 18 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu. The title bout will be the co-main event together with the fight of Z Gorres.

Nietes said he has already seen tapes of Reyes’ fights and observed that the Colombian uses his jabs a lot. “I don’t think I will have many problems dealing with his style,” he said.

Also to be feted during the awards night are Negrense WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa, who is also a boxer of the year awardee along with Donaire and Florante Condes, and Manny Pacquiao.*CPT

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