Nietes, Sabillo retain WBO belts

Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) world lightflyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and WBO world minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo successfully defended their WBO world titles over Mexican Sammy Gutierrez and Nicaraguan  Carlos Buitrago last Saturday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City in the double main event of the Pinoy Pride XXIII.

Nietes managed to knockout Gutierrez with his stone-like punches in the third round. In the opening round, the Mexican boxer was knocked down twice but was saved by the bell. Meanwhile, Sabillo won the battle through a split draw to retain his belt.

Filipino boxers who also emerged victorious were Melindo who won against Juan Francisco Estrada last July at the Cotai Arena in Macau. Jason Pagara and AJ Banal also brought home the bacon after beating Vladimir Baez of Dominican Republic and Lucian Gonzales of Puerto Rico, respectively. Former world title contender Jimrex Jaca ignited the ring of fire with his first round knockout of Indonesian Wellem Reyk.