Donnie Nietes started to show his age in latest outing, says analyst

Former four-division champion Donnie Nietes is finally showing signs that he is an aging fighter, according to veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino.

Nietes, who holds a record of 43-1-6 with 23 knockouts, fought earlier this month against Norbelto Jimenez in Dubai where the bout ended by a split draw.

“He kind of showed his age, we cannot deny that. The fact that he tapered off in the middle rounds is an indicator he has 39-year-old legs. But like what I said, even at 39, he would still be tough to beat because the ring savvy is still there,” said Tolentino.

“His age is starting to show. If Jimenez had been more offensively competitive, that could have been a different outcome though we can still see that he is a veteran of the sport. He knows what to do in there.”

And even though time is running out for Nietes, Tolentino believes that the Filipino pug remains a dangerous challenger to any of the champions at the 115-pound division.

“I think Nietes at 39 will still give a lot of problems right now in his weight light class in case he gets to fight in another championship,” he quipped.

—JMB, GMA News