Cebu readies grand welcome for Nietes

Residents of Cebu province on Friday laid out a hero’s welcome for Philippine boxing champ Donnie “Ahas" Nietes, after his successful title defense in Mexico last weekend. Radio dzBB’s Cebu affiliate reported that Nietes, current WBO Minimumweight World Champion, will arrive at the Mactan Cebu International Airport with his coaching staff and manager. They will proceed to Mandaue City Friday morning for an awarding ceremony, to be presided over by Mayor Jonas Cortes. Nietes returned to the Philippines from Mexico on Wednesday after successfully defending his title against Mexican Mario Rodriguez. Nietes used to be a utility man for the Antonio Lopez Aldeguer (ALA) boxing gym. After being prodded to take up boxing, he became a professional boxer in 2003. One year later, he became a national champion. Nietes got his nickname "Ahas" (Filipino word for "snake") because his chores at the gym used to include cleaning a snake pit with five big pythons. He was reportedly the only one who had the guts to do the job. –VVP, GMANews.TV