Donnie Nietes Retains WBO-115 Int’l Belt with Draw Against Jiménez

By Carlos Costa

Popular Filipino warrior Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (43-1-6, 23 KO’s) of Bacolod, Negros Occidental, retained his WBO International Super Flyweight Strap with a 10-rounder split draw against rather dirty fighter Nolbelto Jiménez of the Dominican Republic on Saturday night (Dec 11) at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE.

Nietes began the battle moving effectively, boxing beautifully from the outside throwing and landing uppercuts, right hooks and combinations, completely confusing his bigger, younger baffled opponent.

It was crystal clear that Nietes’ skills and boxing technique were far superior than the ones of his rustic, less-refined opponent.

But then it seems that the 39-year-old Nietes lost steam, allowing Jimenez to regain confidence and begin land combos of his own.

There were multiple times in which Jimenez tried to make the fight ugly, holding and pushing down the legendary Filipino fighter born in the blessed green and blue town of Murcia.

However, no points were deducted from Jiménez, a neglect that gave him carte blanche to continue his repeated antics, which might have taken a toll on the Pinoy’s strength.

None of the boxers got cut nor visited the canvas; and none of them was in trouble of being stopped throughout the complicated clash, which was the co-feature for the win of Sunny Edwards over Jayson Manma.

At the end of actions, one Judge scored 96-94 for Jiménez, another one voted 96-94 for Nietes and the third one opted for the 95-95 draw.