Donnie Nietes is a modern hero whose strength has done nothing but inspire.

Filipino boxing champ Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes’ rise to greatness was far from easy.

From watching his uncles’ bouts at a young age, Nietes developed his passion for boxing purely by chance.

He got work as a janitor and utility man from the famed ALA Boxing Gym, where he impressed boxers themselves with his work ethic and the fact that he’s still willing to train, even right after his shift, even if he’s by himself.

A classic anectode of Nietes’ unbeatable work ethic is how he got his nickname ‘Ahas’.

While working as the utility man, and was tasked to clean up the snake pit near the ALA Gym. No one wanted to go near the reptiles but Donnie knew it was his job. He powered through the snake bites and eventually befriended the snakes.

He managed to collect a hatched snake from the pit, which he still takes care of to this day. It’s his incredible work ethic that helped him become a four-division boxing champion, as well as the record holder for the longest reign as a Filipino champ in the sweet science.

Through his hard work, Donnie was able to provide financial stability not only for himself, but for his parents as well.

For the people of Murcia, Negros Occidental, meanwhile, his hometown, he is regarded as a hero for bringing pride not just for the country but for their small municipality, too.

By becoming witnesses to Donnie Nietes’ incredible rise, fellow Filipinos are supporting a modern hero whose strength has done nothing but inspire.

Article courtesy of ABS-CBN Sports