| |
|
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:
June 6 announcement: Padley-Fiaz to Main Event in Sheffield after Galal Yafai setback
, Fri, 15 May 2026Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Ready to Settle Unfinished Business in Saturday’s Hometown Rematch against Nahir Albright LIVE on DAZN
, Fri, 15 May 2026Eros Correa vs. Anthony Garnica, Set to Clash for WBC Continental Americas Title.
, Fri, 15 May 2026Eman-Perez rematch now title-match
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026Montreal Experience greatly benefited Undefeated Kansas boxing prospect Marco Romero for this Saturday’s fight
, Fri, 15 May 2026”MERCILESS” RAY MERCER TO ATTEND 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
, Fri, 15 May 2026IIEE Metro Central dominates the IIEE National Midyear Convention sportsfest
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026Ancajas Boxing team to join Koronadal slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026Jojo Legaspi eyes four squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026Paras ready to face Yokoyama on June 6
By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 14 May 2026Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
, Thu, 14 May 2026Champion Outside the Ring: Gustavo Trujillo and Bio Cell Wellness Group Support Children with Autism Through Life-Changing Therapies
, Thu, 14 May 2026IBA and WBA successfully deliver first joint professional training course for referees and judges
, Wed, 13 May 2026GAB to give managers, matchmakers and trainers 3 years license
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026ROBIN “ROBZ” SAFAR TO FACE ARGENTINA’S HIGHLY RATED YAMIL PERALTA FOR WBC SILVER CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
, Wed, 13 May 2026Influencer/boxer Brooklyn Barwick anxious to Bounce back from first loss this Saturday in South Carolina
, Wed, 13 May 2026Mama ready to facer Ayala in Mexico
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026Demecillo to fight undefeated Martin on May 16
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card to feature Pro Boxing & Sports Entertainment Experience this Saturday in Quincy (MA)
, Wed, 13 May 2026Oberio, Bernardino, Talaboc power QC past Isabela in PCAP chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 13 May 2026WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán on Barcelona-Real Madrid La Liga finals
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 12 May 2026Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki Fires Warning Shot at Chris Billam-Smith Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 07 showdown on June 6
, Tue, 12 May 2026Judgement Day coming this Friday In Germany for Paddy Donovan
, Tue, 12 May 2026Six Rounds to Silence the Magic Man: Why Rolando Dy is Malignaggi’s Worst Nightmare
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 11 May 2026The Eternal Contender: Inside Nonito Donaire’s Record-Breaking Title Run
By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 11 May 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
