MANILA -- World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight king Donnie "Ahas" Nietes is set to clash on July 18 in Jalisco, Mexico with interim champion Manuel Vargas of Mexico.

Nietes would be defending his title for the third time.

A report by InsideSports.ph said the 27-year old Filipino champion will have his hands full against the Mexican challenger, who collided with Rayonata “The Stingray” Whitfield in a close battle on April 9 last year.

Nietes (24-1-3 with 14 knockouts) himself is coming off a tough battle as he hammered a 12-round decision over Erik Ramirez last February 28 in Mexico.

In his last two fights, Vargas (26-3-1 with 11 KOs) won the WBO minimumweight interim title over Daniel Reyes in a December 6, 2008 bout and successfully defended the crown against Walter Tello last February 14, 2009.

Nietes will be leaving for Los Angeles on Saturday along with AJ “Bazooka” Banal to train at the Wild Card gym of Freddie Roach in preparation for the crucial showdown.