Donnie Nietes to challenge for vacant title in super flyweight debut

Buried in the recent announcement of Moruti Mthalane vs. Muhammad Waseem was the news that three-division champion Donnie Nietes was vacating the IBF flyweight title Mthalane and Waseem will fight for. Nietes confirmed today that he’s making the move to 115 pounds and will fight for the vacant WBO title in his first appearance at the weight.

Naoya Inoue previously held the belt before stepping up to bantamweight, where he’ll fight Jamie McDonnell in May 25th.

Nietes (41-1-4, 23 KO) originally moved from 108 to 112 in pursuit of Roman Gonzalez, so it’s not surprising to see him chasing the myriad big fights available at super flyweight. His three-fight stint at 112 saw him sweep Edgar Sosa, decision Komgrich Nantapech for the belt, and knock out Juan Carlos Reveco this past February.

The current WBO super flyweight rankings have Nietes at #1, countryman Aston Palicte at #2, Chocolatito at #3, and McWilliams Arroyo, fresh off his upset of Carlos Cuadras, at #4. Plenty of good options for Nietes, still going strong after 15 years in the ring.