By Jake Donovan
Donnie Nietes racked up eighth defense of his junior flyweight crown, putpointing Juan Alejo over 12 rounds Saturday evening at StubHub Center in Carson, California.
Scores were 119-109 (twice) and 120-108 in favor of Nietes. Both boxers were fighting in the United States for the first time in their respective pro careers.
The bout was accurately scored yet still not quite as one-sided, with Alejo offering a spirited account of himself even if not winning any rounds. Nietes' precision punching began to slice open his opponent's face as early as round two, but suffered a cut himself midway through the fight.
The threat of a knockout never surfaced, but neither did any chance of Alejo (21-4, 13KOs) turning the tide. All the brave boxer from Mexico could offer was the ability to make his presence felt, displaying the type of heart and determination that led to 21 straight wins following an 0-3 start to his career.
It wasn't enough to disrupt Nietes' run of holding at least one major belt since 2007, boasting an incredible mark of 14-0 (5KOs) over that stretch. He is now unbeaten in his last 29 starts, improving overall to 37-1-4 (21KOs).
UNDERCARD
Albert Pagara remains undefeated after a one-sided 6th round knockout of William Gonzalez in the opening bout of the telecast.
Pagara - a sharp-looking 21-year old featherweight from Philippines - was in complete control and came close to delivering an early ending. Gonzalez was dropped but avoided a potential knockout in round two when top referee Jack Reiss ruled that the Nicaraguan was hit while down, resulting in time being called.
It only proved to delay the inevitable. Pagara (25-0, 18KOs) kept applying heat, until forcing Gonzalez to wilt. A jab, straight right hand combo put Gonzalez down for the full ten count at 2:20 of round six.
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene
