Nietes-Ioka II set to take place for WBO Jr. bantamweight supremacy
Filipino boxing superstar Donnie “Ahas” Nietes will have a chance to clinch another world boxing title after fight negotiations with Kazuto Ioka from Japan were made possible. Nietes already fought Ioka four years ago and earned a split decision victory but had to vacate the WBO world junior

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino boxing superstar Donnie “Ahas” Nietes will have a chance to clinch another world boxing title after fight negotiations with Kazuto Ioka from Japan were made possible.
Nietes already fought Ioka four years ago and earned a split decision victory but had to vacate the WBO world junior bantamweight belt after deciding to move to another weight class and challenge their top dogs.
After taking a break from the sport amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the former multi-weight world champion made a stunning comeback and scored a unanimous decision victory over Pablo Carrillo and defied father time.
With a month left before his highly-anticipated clash with Ioka, Nietes is thrilled to reclaim the championship belt he vacated four years ago.
“This rematch makes me excited and when I vacated the title in 2018 it was always in my mind that I would, one day, win it back. On July 13, that dream will become a reality,” said Nietes.
However, Nietes will be facing a different version of Ioka. Already more mature and patient with his fighting style approach, the Japanese pug is a lot different now and has developed more technical skills including his defense and timings.
During their clash, Ioka would always engage Nietes in a close-ranged slugfest that went in favor of the Filipino tactician.
Ioka then used his loss against Nietes as a stepping stone to improve and steamrolled his way to five consecutive wins in two years.
Meanwhile, Nietes, who won against Carrillo and finished in a draw decision against Norbelto Jimenez last year, showed no signs of ring rust and was consistent with his efficient counter-punching and high volume of jabs.
“This was the fight I wanted the most and I am incredibly eager to win back my world title. I have been in training since February for this fight,” added Nietes.
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