For the fifth time Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes of Murcia and Bacolod City successfully defended his World Boxing Organization junior flyweight title with a 7th round technical knockout victory over Mexican Carlos Velarde Saturday night in Cebu City.
With his win, Nietes clinched the Philippine record as the longest reigning Filipino world champion, surpassing the mark set by the legendary Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde.
Undefeated for the past seven years and one month, Nietes will surpass Elorde?s record of seven years and three months in January next year.
Nietes who said he is dedicating his feat, first to his family and his townmates in Murcia and Bacolod City, told the DAILY STAR that prayers, hard work and perseverance brought him to where he is now.
He said Velarde was not an easy opponent as he was a strong puncher but he was confident about keeping his WBO belt even if the fight went beyond the 7th round.
Witnessing the fight from ringside was Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, who said that the Mexican fighter moved well, but Nietes? was delivering the power punches and outclassed the challenger.
While the accidental clash of heads between the two boxers in the 7th round might have caused the deep cut on Velarde?s right eyebrow, Montelibano said the Negrense champion was by then dominating the fight.
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Mara?on also hailed Nietes? victory, saying that this latest triumph ?shows once again that Negrense boxers are world class athletes.?
?May Donnie’s feat also serve as an inspiration to many others who also aspire to excel in the field of sport someday.? Mara?on said.
Bacolod City Rep. Evelio Leonardia, who conferred on Nietes the ?Dungganon Nga Bacolodnon? award during his term as mayor of the city, thanked the champion for making all his kasimanwas proud.
?Donnie has made history. He has always been a great fighter and has immortalized himself in Philippine boxing with his latest victory,? Leonardia said.
Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella, on the other hand, thanked ALA Gym founder Antonio ?Bidoy? Aldeguer who had always believed in Nietes. Let this triumph inspire all Bacolodnons that we can also be the best in the world, Puentevella said.*NAB
