Nietes’ reign continues

Quezon City—Donnie “Ahas” Nietes battered an overmatched opponent to keep his bid of becoming the longest reigning Filipino world champion alive.

His stablemate Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo likewise remained a world champion but how he got there was entirely a different story.

Nietes, a world champion for the past six years, needed just three rounds to dispatch Sammy “Guty” Gutierrez to retain his WBO light flyweight belt, while Sabillo went through the wringer before settling for a split draw against the tough Carlos Buitrago in last Saturday night’s mammoth fight card Pinoy Pride 23: Filipinos Kontra Latinos at the Araneta Coliseum.

Nietes floored Gutierrez twice in the opening round before finishing the Mexican challenger with a crackling right straight in the 2:58 mark of the third round.

“I started moving in when I knew I can take his power,” said Nietes, who improved to 32 (18KOs)-1-4 (win-loss-draw).

While it was walk in the park for Nietes, Sabillo had to labor hard in keeping his WBO minimumweight crown.

Sabillo and Buitrago, both unbeaten fighters, figured in a neck and neck battle that saw the former showing tremendous grit and the latter displaying superb counter-punching skills.

split draw

American judge Levi Martinez scored the bout 115-113 for Buitrago, while Joerge Milke of Germany saw it 115-113 for Sabillo. Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan had it 114-114.

“We expected a tough fight. Buitrago is a hot pride in Nicaragua who came in determined to win,” said Michael Aldeguer, CEO/President of ALA Promotions.

Aldeguer said the fight was “a fair draw.”

“I think Sabillo did enough to salvage a draw. He was the aggressor. He brought the fight to Buitrago. Buitrago was counter-punching all the time. Sometimes if you are the challenger, you have to bring the fight to the champion,” Aldeguer pointed out.

Buitrago displayed superior boxing skills but Sabillo saved the crown from slipping away with a courageous effort.

Sabillo stalked his opponent all-fight long but had a hard time penetrating Buitrago’s defense. Buitrago nearly floored Sabillo in the ninth round with a solid right hook.

“toughest fight”

“I really got groggy but I did my best to keep my focus. It was the toughest fight I ever had,” said Sabillo (23W-12KOs). “I really thought I won the fight via split decision but we have to accept the judges’ decision.”

Sabillo admitted there is still a lot to work on if he is to win tougher fights. “I have to work on my combination,” he said.

Aldeguer agreed.

“We expected a tough fight especially with Sabillo having no amateur background. He became a world champion but it was a process for him. Right now, he is still learning. The team will develop Sabillo little by little. He’ll be better after this,” said Aldeguer.

The two fighters could face each other in a rematch.

“Usually if it’s a split draw, the WBO demands a mandatory rematch but it doesn’t have to be immediate. It’s up to the camp of Buitrago and it will depend on how the WBO evaluates it,” Aldeguer said.

Another installment of Pinoy Pride could be held on Feb. 8 also in Manila. “We have not decided yet who’s gonna headline the event but we are looking at Sabillo,” said Aldeguer, who was elated with the success of the fight card that saw other ALA Gym fighters pulling off victories.

Jason “El Niño” Pagara retained his WBO international light welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Baez, AJ “Bazooka” Banal also scored a unanimous win over Puerto Rico’s Lucian Gonzalez, while Milan “El Metodico” Melindo also prevailed over Jose Alfredo “Torito” Rodriguez.

Joining in the winners’ circle were was Jimrex “The Executioner” Jaca, who scored his first knockout win over Indonesian Wellem Reyk.