Donnie Nietes to defend title against Fuentes in a trilogy

Looks like another tough title defense for the veteran Filipino champion.

Longest reigning Filipino champion Donnie Ahas Nietes will be facing again Moises Fuentes for his title defense this coming April in Cebu City Sports Complex.

Nietes first fought Fuentes to a majority draw in 2013 at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino. In a rubber match in 2014, Nietes knocked out Fuentes in Round 9.

It was a back-and-forth action prior to the knockout. But in Round 9, Nietes landed a left and right combination that forced Fuentes to take a knee. Nietes jumped in and fired shots on Fuentes who was already down on the floor. The referee initiated the mandatory count, and Fuentes managed to get up to continue the fight. But instead of resuming the fight, the referee deducted a point on Nietes for throwing punches on Fuentes while still on the floor.

Fuentes took a breather for the deduction, and I thought he can survive the round as he was able to regain his footing.  But Nietes was so patient on his attack as Fuentes tried to come back.  A counter right hand hurt and sent down again Fuentes to the floor that opted the referee to waive the off without initiating the mandatory count.

This could be a very exciting match-up as both guys really know each other for 21 rounds. The first bell is round 22. For sure the fighters will immediately pick up what they left in Round 9 of their rematch in 2014.