Nietes eyes KO victory in Ioka rematch

CEBU, Philippines —  Four-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is aiming for a knockout in his rematch with reigning WBO super flyweight titlist Kazuto Ioka of Japan slated on July 13 in Ota City southeast of Tokyo, Japan.

Nietes (43-1-6, 26KOs) narrowly beat Ioka (28-2, 15KOs) by split decision to clinch the WBO 115-pound crown during their first meeting on New Year’s Eve in 2018.

Four years later, their paths will cross once again in the ring after the WBO recently ordered Ioka to make a mandatory defense of his title against Nietes.

And Nietes looks forward to scoring a swift and decisive victory against the Japanese champion this time.

“I will just try my best to give a good fight,” said the 39-year-old Nietes. “But if there’s a chance that I can knock him out, I will go for it because he has home advantage.”

It will be Nietes’ only third fight since he came back from a three-year hibernation with a unanimous decision win over Pablo Carrillo of Colombia to seize the WBO International super flyweight belt on April 3, 2021 at the Caesars Palace Dubai.

Nietes figured in a split draw with Norbelto Jimenez of Dominican Republic in his previous bout on December 11 last year at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.