Donnie “Ahas” Nietes continues to solidify his name in history books as he keeps his winning streak intact.
In front of his friends and family, the longest reigning Filipino world champion successfully defended his WBO World light flyweight belt with an impressive fifth round TKO victory over Raul Garcia at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City, Saturday night.
Fighting back in his home province since November of 2011, Nietes had a good start after the first round in landing precise punches to Garcia. By the third frame, the longtime champion was able to score two knockdowns courtesy of hard shots to the body.
Nietes’ mastery over the twin brother of his former opponent, Ramon, in the fourth round. Ahas continued to punish Garcia’s torso during that frame that winded his opponent. The Mexican tried to put up a fight in the following round but only to absorb a stiff jab from the Murcia, Negros Occidental-native.
By the end of the round, a visibly winded “Rayito” could not answer the the bell, signaling the end of the fight.
Nietes’ victory improves his record to 38-1-4 while Garcia snaps his five fight win streak and drops to 38-4-1. Moreover, Ahas’ next bout has been booked. He is set to defend his championship against Moises Fuentes on September 24, 2016 at the Stubhub Center in Los Angeles, California, USA.
In the co-main event, Arthur Villanueva (29-1) claimed the vacant WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title in controversial fashion with a fourth round knockout win over Juan Jimenez (22-10) of Mexico.
King Arthur initially had a scare after Jimenez was able to score an early knockdown in the second round but returned the favor during the third with a perfectly timed straight that sent El Peñita to his knees momentarily.
The fight was abruptly stopped in the fourth after both men clashed heads. Jimenez was knocked unconscious due to it resulting to the stoppage. However, the ringside judges deemed it as a knockout victory for Villanueva.
In other bouts, Milan Melindo (34-2) and KJ Cataraja (4-0) emerged victorious in their respective bouts, winning via unanimous technical decision and fourth round knockout respectively.
Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making
May 28, 2016 – University of St. La Salle Coliseum, Bacolod City
WBO World Light Flyweight Championship: Donnie Nietes def. Raul Garcia via TKO5 (3:00) to retain championship
WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight Championship: Arthur Villanueva def. Juan Jimenez via TKO4 won win vacant championship
Flyweight bout: Milan Melindo def. Maximino Flores via UTD7 (69-64, 68-65, 67-66)
Ryan Yu def. Robert Ates via KO2
Flyweight bout: KJ Cataraja def. Chatchai Or Benjamas via KO4
Philippine Super Flyweight Championship: Jonas Sultan def. Rommel Oliveros KO5 to retain championship
Kenneth Gentallan def. Lenmar Priscillas via UD (59-54, 59-55, 58-55)
Reymund Rama def. Gerald Suico via SD (56-57, 57-56, 57-56)
