Nietes, Donaire decimate foes

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  — WBO light flyweight champion Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes and former five-division world titlist Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire completely annihilated their Latino foes to the delight of their fellow countrymen who witnessed the 'Pinoy Pride 30:D-Day' fightcard last Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum here.

Nietes (35-1, 21KOs) stopped Mexican challenger Gilberto 'Parrita' Parra (19-3, 17KOs) in round 10 to extend his reign as the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion.

Parra, who used to be a brawler, changed his style and used the ring to move in and out against Nietes, but the Filipino warrior stalked him round after round while applying pressure attacks that forced the Mexican to engage in a toe-to-toe battle.

Nietes though had the upperhand in the exchange of punches, landing sharp jabs and strong uppercuts that forced the Mexican to back down. In the eighth round, the ALA Gym fighter connected a crushing right straight  that dropped Parra on the canvass.

Parra weathered the onslaught only to be at the receiving end of Nietes' brutal punishment in round nine. After he sustained a nasty cut on his right eye, Parra was clearly on survival mode.  He was saved from further damage when referee Jack Reise waved off the bout at the end of round nine upon the advise of the ringside physician as blood continues to flow from the Mexican's cut.

"He is good, but I relied on my gameplan and was patient before knocking him down in the eight round," said Nietes, who will now train his sights on another title defense against Mexican champion Francisco Rodriguez on July 4 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

"I will rest shortly before going back to training for Rodriguez," he added. "I just want to continue winning and be a world champion for a long time."

ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer, who was impressed with the performance of his prized ward, said Nietes will undergo a six-week training in the United States to prepare for Rodriguez.

"Donnie will go to the US mid April. His campaign this year will focus on defending his title, but we are also slowly planning for his jump to the bigger flyweight division," said Aldeguer.

Earlier, Donaire (35-3, 21KOs) got back to the winning track in style, pulling off a spectacular second round TKO victory over Brazilian William Prado (22-4, 15KOs) to capture the vacant NABF super bantamweight title.

The masterful win will surely build back Donaire's confidence after his stunning sixth round knockout loss to Jamaican hard-hitter Nicholas Walters that cost him his WBA featherweight belt in October last year.

"He was no joke but with my power and skills, I showed that he was not on my level," said Donaire. "Even though it was a fast win, I can still see some holes in my game that I have to correct in order for me to become a world champion again."

After an impressive opening, Donaire landed a solid shot that caused a gaping gash below Prado's right eye. Smelling blood, Donaire swiftly went for the kill, peppering the hapless Brazilian with a spate of vicious uppercuts.

Seeing Prado helplessly pinned against the ropes and couldn't find an answer to Donaire's relentless attack, referee Bruce MacTavish wisely intervened and halted the carnage at the 2:16 mark of round two.

"I believe that I am still a world title contender and If you ask me, I want a shot at the belt as soon as possible," Donaire said. "I am open to a rematch with (Guillermo) Rigondeaux but aside from him, I also want the WBC champion (Leo Santa Cruz)."

In the other featured match, the unbeaten 'Prince' Albert Pagara (24-0, 16KOs) defended his IBF International junior featherweight throne with a fifth round stoppage of Mexican Rodolfo 'Fofo' Hernandez (26-6, 24KOs).  (FREEMAN)