Nietes survives Parra, extends reign as world champ

MANILA, Philippines - Just when things looked tough, Donne “Ahas” Nietes still found a way to get past a determined Gilberto Parra, forcing the challenger to surrender after nine rounds to retain his WBO junior featherweight championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.

Nietes' patience paid off as the longest-reigning Filipino world champion waited for a perfect timing to unleash a barbarous right straight to the jaw of Parra, sending the Mexican to the canvas at the latter part of eighth round.

The two-time world champion admitted that he was just waiting for the exact moment to unleash his power punch.

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“Nahirapan ako nang kaunti, pero nag-timing ako ng straight na sure ako pag tumama, tutumba siya,” Nietes said after the win.

The knockdown spelled the difference in what was a neck-and-neck battle during the early rounds.

Nietes managed to sustain the momentum in the ninth round as he squeezed in another right that inflicted a cut Parra's left eye.

The Mexican boxer didn't answer the bell for the 10th round upon the recommendation of the ringside physician.

With his latest victory, Nietes extended his title reign that stretches to seven years. He's looking to prolong it for three more years.

“10 years? Depende, kakayanin ko,” Nietes said.