Donnie Nietes vs. Muhammad Waseem on July 22 in Dubai
Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem is going through a tough training camp ahead of his scheduled fight with former four-division world champion Donnie Nietes of the Philippines.
The two will collide in a crossroads fight for the vacant IBO bantamweight world title, in a card being staged in Dubai on July 22.
“Yes, tough training is going on and I am confident to pull off a win against Nietes who is, no doubt, a tough fighter,” Waseem told 'The News.'
Waseem has been out of the ring since March of last year, when he lost a decision to IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards. That bout also took place in Dubai.
Nietes has been out of the ring since July of last year, when he dropped a twelve round decision in his rematch with then WBO super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka.
Waseem (12-2, 8 KOs) believes that he's catching the 41-year Nietes (43-2-6, 23 KOs) at the right time.
“Yes I have made a game plan and will box with him InshaAllah,” said Waseem.
“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. The time is too short as hardly two weeks are at my disposal. I have achieved top fitness and am hopeful to achieve the required rhythm soon which will help me click in the fight.
The event is being staged by newly-formed Dubai-based Disrupt Promotions, which have acquired assets from Probellum, Waseem’s former promoter.
On the same event, Liverpool's Jazza Dickens (32-4,12 KOs) will defend his IBO featherweight world title when he will face Argentinian challenger Hector Andres Sosa (15-2, 8 KO).
