Experts see ‘Ahas’ outclassing Nantapech
The bout, scheduled for 12 rounds, will take place at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.
A third crown will allow Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino champion, to join boxing stars Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. as the only Filipino multi-division world titlists.
Standing on his way is Nantapech, who is expected to come into the fight highly motivated after his comrade Srisaket Sor Rungvisai upset erstwhile pound-for-pound king Roman Gonzalez.
Boxing analyst Ed Tolentino, however, doesn’t think Nietes will have a problem disposing of the Thai fighter.
“I have seen Nantapech in action and I do believe he is not in the same class as Nietes,” he said.
“Nantapech is more of a counter puncher; he owns a good jab and a good right hook, but he is too slow and his tendency to just stand in front of an opponent makes him so susceptible to the overhand right of Nietes.”
Fellow fight analyst Dennis Principe agreed. He added that it will be Nietes' best chance to score a knockout as a flyweight.
“With this fight, kahit highly rated yung Thai sa tingin ko wala sa liga ito ni Donnie,” said Principe.
Principe said that Nietes has a couple of things to capitalize against the younger Thai.
“Telegraphed yung mga movements nung Thai at wala masyadong footwork,” he said.
He added that Nietes will be also be hard pressed to score an impressive victory if he wants to land fights against marquee boxers like Zou Shiming, Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez.
"One thing that is making him eager and rejuvenated in every fight is his long time aspiration na makakuha ng laban against a named fighter," said Principe.
“So kailangan na ni Donnie magtake ng risk kasi ano s’ya ‘safety first’ fighter.”
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