Donnie Nietes vs. Carlos Velarde: Winner, Recap and Analysis

Donnie Nietes (34-1-4, 20 KO) retained his WBO light flyweight title in Cebu City, Philippines, when Carlos Velarde (26-4-1, 14 KO) didn't answer the bell after the seventh round. Nietes was well in control of the bout thanks to his steady jab, speed and cleaner combination punching.

The crowd was firmly behind the Filipino champion from the outset.

Nietes certainly gave the packed house something to cheer about.

The 32-year-old champion seemed to break Velarde's spirit in the sixth round. The challenger didn't fire back as Nietes fired combinations. Referee Robert Boyd could have stopped the bout, but he didn't.

In the seventh round, an accidental head butt opened a gash above Velarde's right eye. This seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back for Velarde. He looked dismayed in the corner and quit on his stool to give Nietes the win.

The fight was hard-fought through the first five-and-a-half rounds. While Nietes had the obvious speed advantage, Velarde kept coming. He put a good amount of pressure on the champion, but he simply wore down.

Nietes showed his opponent respect after the bout. Per The Associated Press (h/t Inquirer.net), Nietes said, “I had a hard time. But I countered that with body punches and, luckily, he refused to continue the fight.”

The 24-year-old Velarde may have a promising future, but he certainly needs more seasoning before he can hope to have better results against a skilled veteran like Nietes.

The victory was the third straight for Nietes. His next bout is set to take place on Feb. 14, per Ryan Songalia of The Ring Magazine. The card will be promoted by Top Rank Boxing, and it will be headlined by Chinese star and Olympian Zou Shiming.

Previously, it had been said that Nietes would vacate the light flyweight title in favor of a move to the flyweight division. Per Fischer, who cited Nietes' promoter, Michael Aldeguer, that won't be happening either. Potential showdowns with the likes of Juan Francisco Jr. and Roman Gonzalez will have to wait.