Nietes scores TKO, makes boxing history

MANILA, Philippines - Red, white and blue confetti rained down on Donnie Nietes late Saturday evening after the Filipino boxer forced Mexico’s Carlos Velarde into submission at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.

Nietes waved to the crowd that came to witness history.

The 32-year-old Nietes defended his WBO junior flyweight crown for the fifth time and is now bound to surpass the record set by the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

Nietes has gone undefeated for seven years now, as world champion in the 104 and 108 pound divisions. On Dec. 31 this year, he will become the longest reigning Filipino boxing champion.

Elorde, the great champion, ruled the junior lightweight class for seven years and three months from March 15, 1960 to June 15, 1967.

Nietes was very happy with the victory but had often said that surpassing the record of Elorde is not his main priority, adding that he has so much respect for Elorde.

“My goal is to stay as world champion,” said Nietes, who kept the title after Velarde quit on his stool after the seventh round due to a nasty cut above his left eye.

The accidental clash of heads took place in the seventh round, and the Mexican camp decided during the break that Velarde couldn’t continue fighting.

Nietes dominated the bout from the opening round. He improved his record to 34-1-4 with 20 knockouts while Velarde dropped to 23-7-1.

Michael Aldeguer, president of ALA Promotions, said Nietes’ next fight will come on Feb. 14 in Macau under a Top Rank card bannered by Chinese superstar Zou Shimming.

It will still be at 108 pounds, according to Aldeguer.

“Then he will eventually move up to 112 to fight (Juan) Estrada only or (Roman) Gonzales. If that fight can’t happen he will stay at 108,” Aldeguer told The STAR yesterday afternoon.