Donnie "Ahas" Nietes made a successful debut in the flyweight division, outpointing veteran Mexican fighter Edgar Sosa with a masterful performance in the main event of Pinoy Pride 38 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on Saturday night.
Nietes, the longest-reigning Filipino world champion, used his jab to keep his distance from Sosa while repeatedly scoring through his right straight and 1-2 combinations that wobbled the Mexican boxer at numerous points in the bout.
"Ahas" won with scores of 120-108 across the board, and claimed the WBO Inter-continental flyweight belt in the process.
"Hindi ako nagmamadali na i-knockout si Sosa," said Nietes after the bout. "Naghihintay ako ng timing na i-tumba siya, pero ang tibay din."
After a slow first round to feel out his opponent, Nietes found his rhythm in the second round as he used his jab to measure Sosa, and then unleashed combinations that unerringly found their target. A left uppercut proved to be Nietes' strongest punch of the round, as the hit clearly wobbled the Mexican.
Nevertheless, Nietes remained patient, weaving and slipping his way out of trouble while frustrating Sosa with his jabs. The Mexican never got any rhythm on offense, as most of his punches were blocked by Nietes or immediately countered.
With the victory, Nietes improved to 39-1-4 (win-loss-draw) in his career, while setting himself up for big fights in the flyweight division.
"Mate-test ko kung hanggang saan ang lakas ko dito sa 112 (pounds)," said the 34-year-old Nietes after the fight.
Sosa, meanwhile, dropped to 52-10.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
