NIETES-FUENTES WORLD CHAMPIONS FIGHT SIDELIGHTS
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 03 Mar 2013
CEBU CITY - It was a real World Champion versus World Champion affair as both WBO junior flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and WBO minimum weight champion Moises Fuentes clashed in a hard fought battle last night at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Barangay Lahug here.
Judges Adalaide Byrd and Patrick Russell from the United States scored it 114-114 even for both champions, while Danrex Joseph V. Tapdasan from the Philippines had it 115-113 for Nietes, which resulted in a majority draw. The WBO supervisor was Leon Panoncillo Jr. Nietes retained his WBO junior flyweight belt because of the draw.
Most of the audience were convinced that the draw was a fair decision. Nietes was dominant in the early rounds of the fight. But the tempo switched to Fuentes when Nietes suffered cuts above the eyebrow. The Mexican ruled the middle part of the 12-round tussle when ?Ahas? seemed to lose steam with the sting of his punches vanished.
But the last two rounds when Nietes danced and punched ala Sugar Ray Leonard prove to be the recovery period for the ALA world champion to the delight of the crowd which overflowed the Grand Pacific Ballroom. He piled up points while at the same time escaping the dangerous assault of the Mexican rival.
The fans wanted to see a rematch of the epic battle of champions. ALA Promotions would be willing to negotiate for an encore. The interest of the multitude of fans trooping the fight venue deserved another showdown of the two world class protagonists.
American referee Jack Reiss from Valencia, California draw the ire of the pro-Nietes crowd when he stopped the fight many times giving warnings especially when the Filipino fighter dealt the Mexican some barrage of blows.
The star of the night was Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera who appeared on top of the ring and supported Fuentes in his corner. Barrera said he lost to a great Filipino world champion, the best of the best, in Manny Pacquiao.
Nietes contracted the fourth draw of his career. Previously he had a technical draw with Nino Suelo, a majority draw with Carlo Besares and another majority draw with Greg Mangan. He has 31 wins 17 of them by KO's and a single loss way back 2004 to Angky Angkotta of Indonesia, who lost to Genesis Servania last night by 7th round TKO in the supporting event.
On the other hand, it was Fuentes? first career draw with his 16 wins with 8 KO?s. His only career defeat was a split decision loss to fellow Mexican Juan Hernandez for the North American Boxing Federation minimumweight championship on February 2011.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024