by Marty Go (ABS-CBN News Bacolod)
Bacoleno Donnie "Ahas" Nietes has gained worldwide recognition after winning the title for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Minimum Weight division.
Last April 9, he defeated Mexican boxer Armando Vasquez in Pinoy Pride which was held at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City. Nietes was born in the town of Murcia, Negros Occidental but grew up in Barangay Granada in Bacolod City where he went to school while being trained by his uncles who also box. "My love for the sport started when I was 12 years old. Every after school, I go to the gym where my uncle trains other students and join them," he narrated.
In 2003, Nietes got a big break when he worked with ALA Boxing Stable in Cebu City as a janitor. "At that time, my main job was really to clean up the place but I was determined to really work hard at boxing so I was practicing when I'm not working. Luckily, the big bosses saw some potential in me so they put under proper training," he said.
After that golden opportunity,his career continued to spiral up towards success in the field of boxing. Donnie believes that Bacolod City and Negros Occidental is an excellent breeding ground for future boxers since many local government units give priority to the sport.
TRIVIA: Did you know how Donnie Nietes got his nickname "Ahas", a Filipino word for snake? Tony Aldeguer states: "Donnie got his nickname 'ahas' when he was a utility boy at the ALA Gym. One of his daily chores was to clean the snake pit with five big pythons and he was the only man with the guts to do it. He was bitten several times. But once he befriended the snakes, he was never bitten again. One day, a snake laid 11 eggs but only one survived. Donnie took care of that snake and he still does to this day. That's how he got his nickname."
(Source: en.wikipedia.org)
Quick Facts Name: Donnie Nietes Alias: Ahas Birth Name: Donnie Liboon Nietes Born: 1982-05-13 Nationality: Filipino Birthplace: Murcia, Negros Occidental, Philippines Hometown: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines Stance: Orthodox Height: 5′ 3″ / 160cm
