Nietes claims WBO Int’l strap in UD win over Carrillo

Donnie Nietes gets his hand raised after winning the vacant WBO International super flyweight in his bout against Pablo Carrillo Sunday at Caesars Palace Dubai. Photo courtesy of D4G Boxing Promotions.

MANILA, Philippines—Donnie Nietes had a dominant return to the ring scoring a unanimous decision win over Pablo Carrillo to take the vacant WBO International super flyweight title Sunday (Manila time) at Caesars Palace Dubai.

This was Nietes’ first fight in more than two years after he beat Kazuto Ioka for the vacant WBO World super flyweight title on December 31, 2018, but he eventually vacated that strap months later.

Nietes (43-1-5) used his veteran wits against Carrillo, 32, and mainly focused on his jabs to keep his distance from the Colombian who was three inches shorter than him.

The 38-year-old Nietes, who stands 5-foot-3, continued with his approach throughout the fight as he used his jab to set up his power punches that bore through Carrillo’s defense.

This methodical pace earned Nietes’ all three of the judges’ nods, 99-91, 98-92, and 96-95.

Nietes also won his second straight fight and kept his 36-match unbeaten streak with his last loss coming in 2004 against Angky Angkotta.