Nietes rues missing KO win vs Mexican

MANILA, Philippines - Despite his win over Mexican Carlos Velarde in Cebu City last Saturday, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes said he didn’t like the way the fight ended, believing he could’ve knocked him out in the succeeding rounds and could’ve made a much bigger impact in securing a place in boxing history.

“By ninth round, he would’ve been down and out,” said Nietes in a victory bash at Resto 9501 in the ABS-CBN bldg. in Quezon City yesterday.

Nietes said he was looking  for a sensational win for his supporters and the Filipino boxing fans who’ve been behind him all through his reign as a champ for nearly seven years and two months now.

I wasn’t happy,” insisted Nietes on the technical knockout win he earned as Velarde raised the white flag before the start of the eighth round with a gaping cut over the left eye.

But a win is a win, and it’s just a matter of time before Nietes formally breaks the record of Gabriel “Flash” Elorde as the longest reigning Filipino boxing champion.

Elorde was world junior lightweight champion for seven years and three months.

Nietes plans to fight two more bouts as a junior flyweight before moving up to the flyweight division.

He’s already the record holder as longest reigning Filipino champ as he once again defends his WBO light flyweight title against a still unnamed challenger in Macau on Feb. 14.

“I’m happy with this blessing, but nothing would be taken away from the “Flash.” Elorde is Elorde. Wala siyang katulad, walang kapantay,” said Nietes, probably the greatest Filipino boxer since Manny Pacquiao came along.

A father of two kids, Nietes, 32, said hard work and determination was the big key in his record-breaking feat.

The Murcia, Negros Occidental native has been a world titleholder since beating Pornsawan Porpramook for the vacant WBO minimumweight crown on Sept. 20, 2007.

After that he defeated Eddy Castro, Erik Ramirez, Manuel Vargas, Jesus Silvestre, Mario Rodriguez, Armando Vazquez, Ramon Garcia Hirales, Felipe Salguero, Danai Meendaeng, Sammy Gutierez, Moises Fuentes and Velarde.

Escaping with a draw was Fuentes in their first meeting on March 2, 2013.

Nietes’ win over Velarde raised his record to 34 wins (20 knockouts), one defeat and four draws.

Two other Filipinos triumphed in Pinoy Pride 28 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.

IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight champion Albert “Prince” Pagara won a brutal 12-round fight against Roe Hilares while Milan “El Metodico” Melindo won his own difficult match against Saul “Baby” Juarez.