By Lee Bates reporting from South America
Oscar Veliz (27-16-2, 6 KOs) surprised Pablo Nievas (22-7-1,15 KOs) by way of a close unanimous decision in ten exciting rounds. The official scores were 97-96, 97-96, 97.5-96 all for Veliz. The bout took place at the Polideportivo Municipal Colonia 25 de Mayo, in La Pampa, Argentina. The show was promoted by Mario Margossian. There was steady action from beginning to end with each fighter giving as good as they gave. The difference in the fight came in the eighth round when a wicked left hook by Veliz sent Nievas crashing to the canvas. Nievas beat the count but the knockdown was costly as evidenced by the final scores. It’s the second consecutive upset win for Veliz, who stopped former world title challenger Walter Matthysse in five this past June.
