Donnie Nietes vacated his Super Flyweight title rather then rematch Aston Palicte, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“It took me a long time to think about this very difficult decision, but I feel that every fight for me at this stage of my career is crucial for my future,” Nietes wrote to WBO president Paco Valcarcel. “I have been long dreaming to have a career-defining fight. There is not much time for me in this sport at 37 years old.
“I would humbly inform you and the WBO that I have painfully decided to vacate my title, which has meant the world to me. I have held the WBO title for 10 years in three divisions. … I owe my successful career to the WBO.”
“His wish is to look for bigger fights to enhance his legacy and achieve his ultimate dream before hanging up his gloves,” Nietes promoter Michael Aldeguer of ALA Promotions wrote to Valcarcel. “A rematch with Aston Palicte is an emotional and mental challenge for him as he went through a very difficult stage after their first fight which ended in a controversial draw, and fighting a fellow Filipino again who is from the same region where he was born makes it even more difficult.”
