Donnie “Ahas” Nietes successfully defended his WBO junior-flyweight title after beating his Mexican opponent, Carlos Velarde, via technical knockout in the 7th round during Saturday’ Pinoy Pride 28 event held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

Saturday’ win sends out a clear message: Nietes has secured his place in boxing history.The 32-year-old Nietes has extended his reign as champion to 7 years, 1 month, and 15 days following his win on Saturday evening.

His recent victory has brought Nietes closer to clinching the record held by Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, the Filipino who currently holds the record for longest reigning boxing champion in the junior lightweight divisions for 7 years and 3 months.

Retaining the title was not easy for Nietes as the much younger Velarde put up a good fight. After 7 rounds of grueling action between the two fighters, Velarde’ corner decided to stop the fight at the beginning of the 8th round. The young boxer’ left eyebrow was profusely bleeding after the 7th round owing to an accidental head-butt that he had sustained earlier. This paved the way for Nietes’ retention of his WBO world title.

Nietes’ victory led him to improve his record to 34 wins (20 knockouts) and 1 defeat while Velarde’ record became 26-4 with 14KOs.

In a recent victory press conference, Ms. Laura Elorde, wife of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde sent a statement that was read by veteran sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz:

“When my late husband Gabriel “Flash” Elorde won the world junior lightweight title at the inauguration of the Araneta Coliseum it was a historic occasion that brought endless joy and pride to our country and people, which is the way “Bai” wanted it to be.

He fought not for personal glory but for the glory of the Philippines and during his reign of seven years and three months he fought the best in his weight division. Like his dear friend Ronnie Nathanielsz wrote he feared no man but was humble before all men.

That his opponents became his close friends from Harold Gomes to Teruo Kosaka, Shigeki Kaneko and Carlos Ortiz reflects the recognition they gave him in return for the respect Bai gave the sport and the men he faced in the ring with quiet dignity. Bai Elorde was humble in victory, magnanimous in defeat and displayed these same values and virtues both in and outside the ring.

Donnie Nietes in many respects is like Elorde a simple man from humble beginnings but a true champion who has, by his success, earned the admiration of our peple. To us the members of the Elorde family Donnie’ surpassing of Bai’ long-standing record is a tribute to his skill, dedication and hard work.

We are indeed proud that “Bai” reigned as a world champion for seven years and three months and are prouder still that a good and decent Filipino champion rose to take his place among the heroes of our time.

Good luck Donnie Nietes and God bless you.

”Meanwhile, two other Filipinos achieved unanimous decision victories in Pinoy Pride 28. Albert “Prince” Pagara won in a brutal 12-round fight against Roe Hilares which allowed him to defend the IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight title.

On the other hand, Milan “El Metodico” Melindo earned his victory against Saul “Baby” Juarez despite a difficult match.Pinoy Pride 28: “History in the Making” was made possible through the joint efforts of ABS-CBN Sports and ALA Promotions.