NIETES SILENCES HOMETOWN CROWD IN OAXACA, RETAINS TITLE
By Dr. Allan Recto
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 02 Mar 2009
Oaxaca, Mexico -? In front of the challenger?s hometown crowd, at the Guelaguetza Auditorium in Oaxaca, Mexico, Donnie ?Snakeman? Nietes - 23-1-3 (14 KO?s) showed he has what it takes to become a legitimate World Champion after defeating the fierce Mexican Eric Ramirez - 25-5-1 (19 KO?s).
Ramirez gave his all, fighting with his lion-heart, but the champ was too much for him last night.
Starting in the first round, Nietes sent Ramirez to the canvas, yet Ramirez survived the count. There was a slight delay when the challenger spit out his mouthpiece. Boxer AJ Banal in Nietes? corner was using a timer who alerted main trainer Edmund Villamor that the round had lasted 4 minutes and 30 seconds. In the second round, he timed it again, lasting this round 3 minutes and 23 seconds. AJ notified the boxing commissioner after which the correct time was being done. Assistant trainer Jeremiah Quijano calmly told the team not to worry but to concentrate on the fight. All action packed rounds ensued including a 5th round rally by Nietes who sent the challenger down for the second time.
Despite the knockdown, Eric Ramirez fired several body shots while the Mexican crowd started chanting ? ?Eric, Eric, Eric?. He threw a number of combination shots, hitting some, then missing more. Nietes could not seem to get hurt.
Several of the fans were relatives, friends of the challenger who showed courage and stamina. Nietes boxed and weaved beautifully but rested a bit in rounds 7 and 8 to preserved his strength.
In the 9th round, Ramirez was hit by an overhand right of Nietes that sent him down again. He was able to go on with the fight. Still the crowd chanted ? ?Mexico-Mexico.?
Ramirez rallied again. The champion Nietes worked even harder but was caught by an overhand during the 12th round where his knees were bent a little bit then he hang on, causing the crowd to react, thinking Nietes got hurt.
He then raised his two fists up in the air urging Ramirez to come forward. He hit Ramirez with a right straight to the head sending him back to the floor for the fourth time in the night. The referee waved his hand, saying it?s all over but the commission said the bell had rang before the count finished the round. The referee admitted to us he didn?t hear the bell.
Donnie Nietes was declared the winner after a unanimous decision was called. Judges scorecard showed ? John Stewart 113-111, Victor Salomon 115-109 and Cesar Ramos 116-108 ? all in favor of the still WBO minimum weight champion Donnie Nietes.
Team Ramirez recognized the gallant effort of the champion Nietes and Promoter Nacho Huizar said ?Congratulations to Nietes. He gave a good clean hard fight? good for Philippines but bad for Mexico.?
Indeed, there were no clashes of heads nor low blows.
Eric Ramirez stated, ?I fought with my heart and threw a lot of punches but could not beat him. I respect him because he fought with his heart too and wanted to keep his title badly.?
The Champion Nietes added that, ?Ramirez was a tough opponent and I tried my best to put him away but could not finish him. He is also durable. I am very glad I won convincingly. I thank everyone especially some Filipino fans who supported me.?
The fight in Oaxaca was truly thrilling. Media people and Mexican fight fans congratulated Nietes and showed their admiration. Some reportedly say they enjoyed watching him win in such an impressive fashion. ALA VP Dennis Canete was delighted and said, ?I had informed Mr. Aldeguer immediately in the Philippines who was extremely pleased with the outcome. We are very proud of Donnie who defended his title tonight.?
Top photo: WBO minimumweight champ Donnie Nietes (R) hits challenger Eric Ramirez with a power shot to the head during their title fight in Oaxaca, Mexico Saturday night. Photo by Reiver Rodriguez.
The referee directs Filipino fighter Donnie Nietes to the neutral corner as challenger Eric Ramirez struggles from a 1st round knock down. Photo by Reiver Rodriguez.
Nietes engages Mexican fighter Eric Ramirez at Auditorio Guelaguetza in Oaxaca Saturday night. Photo by Reiver Rodriguez.
WBO Champ Donnie Nietes carried by AJ Banal rejoices his victory with his team. Photo by Reiver Rodriguez.
Team Nietes Celebrates. Left-Right: AJ ?Bazooka? Banal, WBO Minimum weight Champ Donnie Nietes, Dr. Allan Recto, Jeremiah Quijano the behind L-R, Coach/ Main trainer Edmund Villamor, Eddie Carrera, ALA VP Dennis Canete. Photo by Reiver Rodriguez.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dr. Allan Recto.
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