MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Ramon Garcia Hirales is demanding a rematch after the Mexican claimed he was robbed of a victory against Donnie “Ahas” Nietes in Pinoy Pride 9 Saturday in Bacolod City.
Nietes defeated Garcia via unanimous decision to win his second world title, with judges scoring the bout 115-113, 118-110 and 117-111.
Garcia felt he became the victim of “home-cooking.”
“It’s not fair, it’s really not fair. The people know and the press know, he doesn’t fight,” said Alex Montenegro, Garcia’s manager.
Garcia’s trainer, Leo Camacho, complained about the scores of the American judges, who had scored the bout 118-110 and 117-111.
The Filipino judge, Atty. Danrex Tapdasan, scored the bout 115-113. After the event, boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielz said Tapdasan’s scorecard best reflected the closeness of the boxing match.
Nietes defended his victory, however, saying he knew he was ahead on the judges’ scorecards.
“Hindi naman niya ako tinatamaan, fair lang ang mga judge,” said Nietes, who is now the new WBO light flyweight champion.
Nietes and Garcia exchanged in back-and-forth action in the early rounds, but the Filipino seemed to have tired out in the 7th round.
Garcia got the upper hand in the middle rounds with Nietes throwing only a few punches. To make matters worse for Nietes, he sustained a cut on the head in the 11th round, but the ringside doctor allowed him to continue the fight.
With the crowd inside the University of St. La Salle gym cheering him on, Nietes finished the fight strong and was able to wrest the title from the Mexican.
Michael Aldeguer, CEO and President of ALA Promotions, believed the judging was fair.
“Four or five (rounds) you can give it to the Mexicans, but 7 rounds went to Nietes,” he said.
Nietes and Aldeguer said they are willing to give a rematch to Garcia, whether in the Philippines or in Garcia’s home turf of Mexico City.
Undercard
In the undercard bouts, Merlito Sabillo of Negros defeated Bukidnon’s Tejares Singwancha to claim the OBPF minimumweight championship.
Prince Albert Pagara was also victorious against Shaaban Madilo of Kenya.
AJ “Bazooka” Banal defended his WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight champion against Mexico’s Mario Briones via unanimous decision. Report from Romeo Subaldo, ABS-CBN News Negros
