Donnie Nietes Set to Fight Norbelto Jiménez in WBA-115 Eliminator Dec 11 in Dubai

By Carlos Costa

In less than a month, the ever-popular Filipino 4-division world champion Donnie Nietes (43-1-5, 23 KO’s) of Murcia, Negros Occidental, will be climbing the ring for his upcoming crucial battle against WBA world-ranked Dominican Republic 115-pounder Norbelto “Meneito” Jiménez (30-9-5, 16 KO’s) on Saturday, December 11, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The info was revealed today by Nietes’ promoter, Probellum, the boxing promotion and media company owned by Swiss man of boxing Richard Schaefer, former Golden Boy Promotions CEO.

The clash could not be more vital for the pro boxing careers of veteran master-tactician Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, 39, as well as for the younger, former 2-time world title challenger “Meneito” Jiménez as their 12-rounder battle is a WBA Super Flyweight Eliminator; the winner becoming mandatory challenger to one of the WBA Super Flyweight world titles.

Those WBA 115-lbs world marbles currently belong to super popular Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada of Sonora, México (WBA 115 super champion), and by Mexican-American Joshua “El Professor” Franco of San Antonio, Texas (WBA 115 regular flyweight champion).

In theory, one of these two champions might be defending against the winner of the Nietes-Jiménez rumble, and if that should happen, against who? Time will tell, and that’s why this coming Dec 11 eliminator fight must be won at all costs.

Nietes, one of the most successful and beloved Filipino boxers in modern history, will be returning to Dubai after outclassing Colombian Pablo “El Trencito” Carrillo (26-8-1, 17 KO’s) last April at the plush Caesar’s Palace Dubai.

Meanwhile, Jimenez, 30, currently ranked by the WBA as the # 4 super flyweight in world, has been the 115-pound national champion of his Caribbean country rich in paradise beaches, the Dominican Republic.

He has also been a world title challenger to former British world champion Khalid Yafai (26-1, 15 KO’s), losing by points. ​

What’s more, some years ago, the Dominican Republic fighter scored a draw against then world champion Kohei Kono in Tokyo. Fans can be sure that “Meneito” Jiménez does not lack experience and does not lack class, nor hunger for victory.

In addition, Jiménez is also returning to “The City is Gold,” Dubai, the awesome capital of the United Arab Emirates where he waged a hard-fought draw against unbeaten world-ranked Nigerian warrior Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (15-0-1, 8 KO’s).

Jiménez’ last combat was a year ago, a win by points over Nicaraguan Marvin Solano (24-7, 8 KO’s) in Santo Domingo.

Norbelto Jimenez is nicknamed by fans in his country as “Meneito” (which means “Little Wiggle”), because he joyfully dances in the ring after scoring a win. However it is unknown if he will be dancing after his clash against Nietes.

Indeed, he will be having a tough road ahead, a hard new mission against Donnie Nietes, the experienced, effective, successful Pinoy boxer, a man of slick moves, ring-smart, physical endurance and heart.

Sure not an easy rumble for neither of the two combatants, each of them more-than willing to score the win so as to challenge for the 115 world title once again.

The promoter for this exciting collision in “The City of Gold” is Probellum, whose president Richard Schaefer recently said:
“We’re happy to welcome such an illustrious boxer like Donnie Nietes to the workforce.”

“Nietes has already gained world titles in 4 divisions, making him a real legend of the game; and we are proud to now be working collectively as we glance to assist him declare world honors once more within the close future.”

This hot Dec 11 event in Dubai is headlined by Nietes’s fellow Visaya world-class fighter, John Riel Casimero, defending his 118-pound world title against tough British challenger “The Baby Face Assassin” Paul Butler (33-2, 15 KO’s) of Cheshire, England.

Also featured is exciting unbeaten Filipino Jayson Mama (16-0, 8 KO’s) of Gensan, challenging for the world title against British defending IBF Flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards (16-0, 4 KO’s) of London.

Best of luck to Donnie, Casimero and Mama, I pray that they’ll bring home the bacon!

The author Carlos Costa is a veteran fight reporter with a lifetime passion for the sport of boxing. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber 09184538152.

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