Nietes, humble legend, now a proud star!
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 02 Jan 2019
The fight was close and entertaining, but after Donnie Nietes scored a split decision win over tough Kazuto Ioka of Japan on Monday, there were those who readily wondered if there would be a rematch.
That was all to be expected, mainly after the New Year?s Eve fight in Macau finished with no display of full dominance from the two warriors.
There were sharp exchanges, but neither of the two had been caught in peril of falling or toppling over.
A draw also remained a big possibility as the ring announcer started to announce the scorecards.
Nietes, with a welt under the right eye, was early to grab at victory, raising his hands in triumph after the final bell.
Ioka, unscathed and fresher, waited keenly in his corner.
Two judges scored it 118-110 and 116-112 for Nietes; a third gave it 116-112 to Iota.
Nietes, patient and methodical, moved ahead with sharp counterpunching in the first six rounds.
Ioka however adjusted starting the second half, cutting (the ring) sharply with deft footwork. He pushed harder in the eighth and rode on better ring generalship to win the 9th round.
Ioka had his biggest moments scoring from outside in the 10th but the vastly experienced Nietes dug deep to stand his ground and score at close range with deciding counters in the final two rounds.
The slim victory gave Nietes his fourth world title, the vacant WBO super flyweight title, thereby joining Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. as the only Filipino boxers to win four titles in separate world divisions.
Dong Secuya, founder and chief editor of Philboxing.com, wrote from ringside that Nietes was able to cement his legacy as one of the greatest boxers to come out of the Philippines.
Michael Kane of Boxing insider said the general consensus ?is that Ioka was robbed as most viewers had him winning.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Tapales bags WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Boston, NY and Minnesota One Win Away; Push Orlando, Detroit and LAL on Brink
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Sasaki Guns for Japan's First World Welterweight Title, Honor as Asia's Best Asian Boxing Nation
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Raga beats Bañares in SBA Philippine Open, pockets ₱400,000 cash prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 28 Apr 2025OK-C You Next Season, Memphis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Edges Benn in Thrilling Grudge Match for the Ages
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Due to Illness, H2O Syve Withdraws from Tonight’s Bout
Sun, 27 Apr 2025Filipino FM Ivan Travis Cu runner-up in Budapest First Saturday Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Home Teams Rule the Day
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Marlon Tapales Makes Weight for WBC International Title Fight in Gensan
Sat, 26 Apr 2025WELTERWEIGHT ERIC TUDOR TAKES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER KEVIN JOHSON IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ FROM THUNDER STUDIOS AND LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank vs Benn: Like Father Like Son
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Misses Weight Ahead of Highly Anticipated Benn Clash
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Rafael Espinoza: “I’m Going To Steal The Show On May 4!”
Sat, 26 Apr 2025CO-PROMOTER OF TONIGHT'S ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ SAYS FIRST EVENT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Sat, 26 Apr 2025