| |
|
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:
TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
, Wed, 18 Feb 2026A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
, Wed, 18 Feb 2026CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
, Wed, 18 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
, Wed, 18 Feb 2026Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026WBC Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios Locked in for Ryan Garcia Showdown February 21 at T-Mobile Arena
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Dana White mocks traditional boxing promoters: "No contest, it's like hitting babies"
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026LEIGH WOOD OUTLINES PLAN OF ATTACK FOR SOLD OUT REMATCH AGAINST JOSH WARRINGTON
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Cain Velasquez released from a California State prison
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026Patrick Rivera wins Pacman's Cue Club 10-Ball Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor Fighting again in Detroit this Sunday on Claressa Shields’ card
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES Gabriela Tellez Ready to Make a Statement This Friday in Orlando
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
