Donnie Nietes defeated Mario “Dragoncito” Rodriguez by wide unanimous decision the score of the judges Levi Martinez 119-109; Alejandro Lopez 118-110, and Thomas Nardone 116-112 all for Nietes who defended his WBO minimum weight championship belt.
From the start Donnie imposed his exquisite technique and precision punching against a determined and brave Rodriguez who lacked the experience and skills to take the title away from the champion of the Philippines. Even when “Dragoncito” fought with valor and a burning desire to become the champ, his attack couldn?t find a mark due to the excellent defense of the champion, and Nietes could counterpunch his challenger all night long.
Nietes used a wonderful jab to keep his opponent at bay and landed hard right hands to the head of Rodriguez who was courageous enough to keep coming forward; but as the rounds went on the defending champion took full control of the bout and it became a one sided fight.
After the contest many people would make comments of Nietes all in a positive way, many agreed that Donnie was a more technical fighter than Manny Pacquiao and that his style was more similar to Nonito Donaire, who is a defensive wizard and a counter puncher, the conversation of the general public and the boxing aficionados were about how good of a boxer Nietes was and that he and Donaire may be champions for a long time due to their fighting styles.
Only time will tell.
