| |
|
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:
Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Lorenzo Patricio and Lavant Brownlee Advance to Gold Medal Round in Bulgaria
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. TO RETURN TO CANASTOTA FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Paras stops Abcede in 2nd round
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Undefeated Welterweight Ruben Aguilar Stops Luis Lopez in Eight Brutal Rounds in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Patricio, Brownlee and Awinongya Enter Medal Rounds on Day Five of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026IM Arca finishes in eight place in Pacquiao chess; NM Ilar pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026DC Half Marathon on March 8 at Freedom Park
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Athletics Festival Season 4 on March 21-22
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger
By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight
, Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ
, Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA
, Sat, 28 Feb 2026Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
