Can Donnie Outbox Waseem For IBO World July 22 in Dubai?

By Carlos Costa

The ever popular Filipino former 4-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, one of the most gifted and successful tacticians in Pinoy boxing, keeps on training ahead of his crucial incoming battle against tough Pakistani warrior former world title challenger Muhammad Waseem.

The two veteran fighters will clash for the vacant IBO bantamweight world title in an IBO world title double header show set for July 22in “The City of Gold:” Dubai, U.A.E.

The smiling and friendly Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (43-2-6, 23 KOs) of Murchia, Negros Occidental – a former ALA star and one of the most popular boxers in Filipino boxing – has been away from the ring for over a year since losing by points his rematch against reigning Super Flyweight World champion star Kazuto Ioka (30-2-1 15 KO’s).

Meanwhile, Muhammad “Falcon” Waseem (12-2, 8 KOs) has been out of action since March of last year, when he lost by points to unbeaten Briton IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (20-0, 4 KO’s), a fight that also happened in Dubai.

Waseem – who is almost 36 – feels that he’s catching the 41-year Nietes at the right time, a time when Donnie does not seem the same effective and slick boxer he once was.

Is Waseem right? Or does Donnie still have enough in the tank for him?

“I have made a game plan, and will box Nietes, InshaAllah,” said Waseem.

“Nietes has been a tough fighter. There is no doubt about it

“But his last fights have not been that good. I know how to fight against Donnie in what could be a very crucial fight for me.”

Nevertheless, could Donnie, a superbly talented technical boxer, owner of slick moves, a good jab and experience outsmart and outbox the younger Waseem in a similar way in which Sunny Edwards did last year?

It is not too wild to think that Donnie m last fight want to follow the same successful blueprint that Sunny laid out. The question is: Does Donnie still have the stamina and strength to handle a younger coming-forward bull as the world-class Pakistani fighter?

Here are the opinions of some fans on my social media:

Adolfo Loayon “Good luck Donnie the legend ! Ikaw lang nakakaalam sa kondisyon katawan mo.”

Aki Ning Calabagas: “Kaya lang yan ni Nietes experience lang ang gagamitin nya jan.”

Botch Atiruz: “One last dance for our country.. Gaya ni Nonito… Laban Pilipinas Puso!!!! Kaya paya.”

Belleza John Singson: “Bakit pla Ang tagal ni nietes bgo lumaban?katulad ni Melindo.”

Tim Saint-Riviera: “Easy fight for Nietes.”

Genaro Panes: “Una lng malakas yung pakistani na yan pag hindi nya ma ko si nietes sa five rounds panalo si nietes sa puntos.”

Edwin A. Lapitan: “Donnie has done his duty for his country, and has made all Pinoys proud. Like Paquiao, he has already passed his prime and must no longer fight as it is too risky for his age, (with risk of) acquiring a severe or permanent injury. He (Nietes) can just train those he sees with potential to become world beaters, like himself in the future. Just my opinion.”

Humble Arvin: “Donnie Nietes for the win, 10K.”

Paul Asesor: “Nietes will get this. The veteran knows HOW TO SNATCH IBO BELT.”

Jun Soriano: “God bless and give the victory (to) Donnie!

Janny Delfin Tomesa: “Good luck idol/coach👊👊👊”

Larivic Tulang: “Hindi layo ang edad nila Nietes 41, Waseem 36, anvantage kay Nietes experienced.”

Robert Revilla: “Go idol. Wagkang mag pa hiya.sa iyong kababayan Pinoy.”

Ruben Gamale: “Go go go Idol. Praying for the win.”

“Donnie Nietes vs Muhammad Waseem” for the IBO Bantamweight World Tiele is being staged by Disrupt Promotions, a newly-formed boxing promotion company based in Dubai, United Araba Emirates.

May the Best Man Win!

The author of this story is veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com.