By Rocky Morales at ringside
Photos: Sumio Yamada

IBF flyweight champion Donnie Nietes (41-1-4, 23KO) scored a spectacular knockout victory over the very tough two-time world champion, Juan Carlos Reveco (39-4, 19KO) on Saturday night at the Forum in Los Angeles. The two fighters were engaged in a tactical battle for the first few rounds that elicited disapproving boos from the crowd but action opened up in the sixth round with Nietes badly hurting Reveco with a devastating right hand counter at the end of the round.

Reveco wobbled back to his corner, possibly already concussed, was examined by the doctor between rounds and allowed to continue. Coming out for the seventh round, it was evident that Reveco’s legs were gone. Nietes came right after him and ended a flurry of punches with a perfectly landed uppercut that floored Reveco.

Although Reveco got up, he was in no condition to continue and his own corner stopped the bout. By way of knockout at 0:53 of the seventh round, Nietes retains his IBF Flyweight title and cements his claim as the best flyweight in the world.