Nietes, 36, showed great head movements in all 12 rounds to secure a 118-110 score from American judge Levi Martinez. Another American judge, Patricia Morse Jarman, have a score of 116-112.
A Panamanian judge, Samuel Nieto, gave Ioka a 116-112 score.
With his New Year’s victory, Nietes became a four-division world titleholder, joining the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. as the country’s all-time best boxers.
Pacquiao holds titles in eight weight divisions, while Donaire has four.
Advertisement
You can close Ad in 4 s
“I was expecting a unanimous decision win but I can’t say anything about the decision [of the other judge]. Judges have their own views. That’s what he thinks of the fight or maybe he saw a different angle in the fight,” Nietes told The Manila Times in Filipino via overseas call.
“I’m really happy that I got my four-division world championship this New Year. I showcased the fans a great fight and I am so thankful that they liked my performance.”
Nietes banked on his great head movements and solid jabs as he overcame Ioka’s body shots through his counter-punching and uppercuts all the way.
“His punches were not solid and it seemed he’s afraid to attack me. I was able to evade his body shots and hit him with uppercuts as he got closer so he changed his style,” he said.
Nietes improved his win-loss-draw record to 42-1-5 with 23 knockouts. JOSEF T. RAMOS/ManilaTimes.net
No comments