Nietes’ 40th victory was historic
History was written once again at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino as Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (40-1-4) claimed his third divisional title, bucking a gallant Komgrich Nantapech (22-4) stand to win the vacant IBF World Flyweight championship, Saturday night.
Nearly 10 years since he won his first world title, Nietes came up with a fine showing over Nantapech, taking a 115-113, 117-111 and 117-111 unanimous decision win. The 34-year old outworked the number-four ranked flyweight with a variety of combinations en route tothe victory.
“Grabe talaga yung feeling, masayang-masaya talaga lalo na’t third division kasi na-belong na ako sa record nila Manny Pacquiao at Donaire,” said an ecstatic Nietes , who now joins the exclusive club of Filipino champions who have won world titles in three separate weight classes.
“Lahat ng napanalunan ko na division, talagang yung grabe yung pinagdaanan namin, hindi basta-basta. Nagdaan kami sa hirap so grabe talaga yung sakripisyo talaga.”
In the undercard, Mark Magsayo (16-0) and Jeo Santisima (13-2) registered wins over Issa Nampepeche (24-8-4) and Master Suro (11-9-1), respectively.
“Magnifico” needed just a little over two minutes to dismantle his Tanzanian opponent. He landed a stunning left hook in the opening minute of the fight that sent “Peche Boy” to the canvas before following it up with a flurry of power punches that gave the referee no choice but to spare him from further harm.
Santisima, on the other hand, went all 10 rounds against his Indonesia counterpart, scoring a unanimous decision win.
Pinoy Pride 40: Domination results
April 29, 2017 – Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City
Donnie Nietes def. Komgrich Nantapech by UD (115-113, 117-111×2)
Mark Magsayo def. Issa Nampepeche by TKO1 (2:05)
Jeo Santisima def. Master Suro by UD (100-89 x3)
Virgil Vitor def. Michael Escobia by UD (97-93, 96-94×2)
Junrel Jimenez def. Romulo Ramayan by TKO6 (2:46)
Christian Bacolod def. Mike Kinaadman by UD (58-56, 59-55×2)
