Donnie Nietes vacates WBO world super flyweight title

Four-division champion Donnie Nietes has decided to vacate his WBO World Super Flyweight title instead of going for a rematch with his fellow Filipino Aston Palicte.

Nietes (42-1-5, 23KOs) and Palicte (25-2-1, 21KOs) fought for the then vacant WBO World Super Flyweight title this past September, but the contest ended in a controversial split draw after twelve rounds of action.

Nietes would eventually capture the title three months later after he defeated Kazuto Ioka of Japan by way of split decision at Wynn Palace in Macau.

After winning yet another world title in his fourth weight class, Nietes was mandated to defend his strap against Palicte. Negotiations took place, but ultimately fell through, and the belt was vacated ahead of a scheduled purse bid in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"After thinking hard about it for a long time, I have decided to vacate my WBO Super flyweight belt, I feel in my heart that there is no point to do the rematch with Aston Palicte after the controversial draw," Nietes said in an official statement.

"I hope to seek bigger fights with the world champions of the other organizations. It may or may not happen but I believe this is the right decision under this situation. Also, I would want to give my fellow Filipino Aston Palicte a chance to fight for the world title to bring pride and glory to our country." — BAP GMA News