Nietes decisions Mexican, keeps WBO lightfly title

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxer Donnie “Ahas” Nietes punished Mexican challenger Felipe Salguero from close range with his impressive bob-and-weave tactic and easily retained the WBO light flyweight crown in the Pinoy Pride XVI at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of the Resorts World Manila Saturday night.

Salguero lasted the distance but Nietes proved to be craftier and better, winning by unanimous decision to the delight of the cheering home crowd at the classy venue in front of NAIA 3.

The Filipinos swept their foreign rivals in the blockbuster fight card with Milan Melindo knocking out Colombia’s Jesus Geles in the first round of their WBO international flyweight championship fight and Genesis Servania stopping Mexico’s Genaro Garcia in the 12th and final round of their WBC international silver super-bantamweight championship.

Melindo posted the most impressive win, disposing of Geles in 2:21 of the opening round.

The Cagayan de Oro native thrice sent the Colombian crumpling down on the floor with thunderous body blows.

After being waived off by referee Danrex Tapdasan the third time he hunkered down in pain, Geles took some time to get on his feet. He was still in pain when he was led to the locker room.

“I thought I would have a hard time because he’s taller,” said Melindo, staying unbeaten with a 27-0-0 card since he turned pro in 2005.

Servania likewise kept his perfect fight record, nailing an 18th victory on his stoppage of Garcia, a seasoned fighter who has got three cracks at a world crown.

Garcia fought like a battering ram, unwavering on his attack until caught by a Sunday punch by Servania in the final round.

 Servania didn’t give Garcia a chance to recover, knocking the Mexican down twice prompting referee Bruce McTavish to step in and stop the fight.

 “I was impressed of his strength. He kept on attacking and attacking. It’s good I can handle his punches. It turned out, he can’t handle mine,” said Servania, bucking cuts on both brows sustained on accidental head-butts.

 Nietes made it 3-of-3 for the Filipinos in outpointing Salguero.

 Filipino judge Salven Lagumbay scored the bout 115-113 while judges Muhammad Rois and Sawaeng Taweekon both had it 116-112 for Nietes.

 There were no knockdowns, and neither fighter was in danger of going down at any time.

 But Nietes was in control most of the way, having good rounds in the fourth, sixth, eighth, ninth, 11th and 12th.

The Filipino inflicted the Mexican a cut on the left eyebrow on a right hook.

Nietes admitted he also absorbed good blows from his game challenger.

“I got hurt a bit by his body shots. He had pretty powerful body shots,” said Nietes.