Pinoy boxers victorious in Pinoy Pride XXIII

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Donnie “Ahas” Niettes nabbed an impressive technical knockout victory against Mexican challenger Sammy Gutierrez to retain his WBO light-flyweight crown in Pinoy Pride 23. Nietes only needed three rounds to take out his opponent. He dropped Gutierrez twice in the opening round and another in the third, prompting the referee to move in and stop the fight. Nietes is now one win away from tying boxing icon Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s record of an undefeated title run in seven years. Meanwhile, Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo defeated Nicaraguan fighter Carlo Bitrago via split draw to retain the WBO minimumweight crown. The Filipino struggled early in the bout, but was able to regain his composure in later rounds by mixing it up with the challenger with aggressive punching. News Now, ANC, December 1, 2013.