Nietes may get shot at WBO title as Calderon-Cazares bout nears

It's now green and go for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior flyweight showdown between reigning champion Hugo Cazares and unbeaten Ivan Calderon, who will relinquish his 105-lb title to take on the Mexican title-holder on August 25 at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. With this latest development, Filipino Donnie Nietes, who is ranked no. 1 in the WBO minifly rankings, is a lock to figure in the fight for the vacated title, although it is not yet known as to where the possible fight with the next highest available contender will take place. Top Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani had earlier revealed that Nietes is ready to fight anyone, anywhere and indicated that the fight can also take place at the boxing World Cup set on August 11, depending on the availability of slots. Golden Boy Promotions has scheduled the World Cup to take place at the Arco Arena in Sacramento on August 11, this as GBP's Philippine partner ALA Boxing Gym also expressed keen interest at putting the WBO superbantam showdown involving Daniel Ponce De Leon and Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista in the Philippines. The Cazares-Calderon showdown is an anticipated matchup between two outstanding champions. “They sent us the contract and the only thing that is lacking is the signature of Hugo," said a member of Cazares' team. “We had to iron out some details, but everything is already set and the fight will take place", the source added. Nietes, who holds the WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight title, has been recently elevated into the top rungs of the WBO ranking, and could possibly meet no. 3 Juan Palacio of Nicaragua. No. 2 Oleydong Sithchanerchai holds the Youth title of rival organization WBC, and will most likely vie for the WBC title this year after winning an eliminator bout against Mexico's Omar Soto last April. SALVEN LAGUMBAY, PHILBOXING.COM