KAZUTO IOKA OUTCLASSES, DEFEATS DONNIE AHAS NIETES WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN JAPAN

By Carlos Costa

Japanese 4-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (29-2, 15 KO’s) outboxed and dominated veteran Pinoy warrior Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (43-2-6, 23 KO’s) for a successful 5th defense of his WBO Super Flyweight World Title tonight (July 13) at the Ota-City Gym in Tokyo, Japan.

Unanimous scores in favor of Kzuto Ioka say it all: 120-108, 117-111 and 118-110.

The 40-year-old Nietes, put forward his heart and his best effort, but was completely bested by the Japanese world champion in clear decisive fashion, which prompts fans to think what could the future for the popular “Ahas” be?

Should the affable, much appreciated, superbly talented Donnie “Ahas” Nietes continue fighting? Or is it time to call it a career (a brilliant career?)

Ioka, on the other hand, not only made a successful 5th defense of the WBO super flyweight crown he won by knocking out Filipino Aston Palicte three years ago, but also got sweet revenge for the close split decision loss that he suffered at the hands of Nietes in late 2018 in Macao.

This time around, it was Ioka the one warrior to come out victorious, reasserting himself as one of the top 115-pounders in the world, together with Nicaraguan star “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and young Mexican-American WBC champ Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (who 3 weeks ago knocked out Srisaket Sor Rungvisai).

The Japanese star was guided in his corner by renown Cuban coach Ismael Salas.

And now the question is:

What tough and experienced super flyweight fighter should Kazuto Ioka defend title against next? Jerwin?