Donnie Nietes out to prove he still has it in July 22 ring return

MANILA, Philippines—When Donnie Nietes suffered a one-sided loss in a world title fight last year, the former champion said he is still capable of competing for the belt.

Nietes will get the opportunity to prove his claim against Muhammad Waseem of Pakistan on July 22 in Dubai for the vacant International Boxing Organization title.

The 41-year-old Nietes showed his age in a unanimous decision defeat to Japan’s Kazuto Ioka in their rematch in July last year but vowed to redeem himself in his ring return.

“I was defeated but, without question, I can still fight for world titles again,” Nietes (43-2-6, 23KOs), a four-division champion, said not long after the loss to Ioka.

“There is no doubt in my mind that I can challenge once again, and I see myself probably having one or two more fights at world level before I hang up my gloves inside the ring.”

The fight against Waseem (12-2, 8KOs) is a make or break for Nietes, who hasn’t won since he beat Pablo Carillo on points back in April 2021.

His previous bout prior to facing Ioka was a split draw against Norbelto Jimenez.

Waseem, 35, plans to extend Nietes’ drought.

“Tough training is going on and I am confident to pull off a win against Nietes who is, no doubt, a tough fighter,” Waseem, who had challenged for the IBF super flyweight title twice, told The News.

“Nietes has been a tough fighter and there is no doubt about it but his last fights have not been that good and I know how to fight against him in what could be a very crucial fight for me. I have been doing training for over five hours daily.”

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