What to do against opponents who dodge a lot? [question]

(I'm Brazilian, so the post will be translated and may have some errors)

I've been boxing for 4 months, and yesterday I faced an opponent with 8 years of experience. I'm much taller, at 1 meter and 90 centimeters, while my opponent was around 1 meter and 75 centimeters.

Of course, with greater experience, the percentage of hits and dodges were also much higher for him, but I was a little lost on what to do during sparring. I took several punches, mainly to the head, and some to the waistline. I landed some jabs, but I had no chance of landing straight punches and crosses. Due to the intensity he applied, I believe I was very resistant, at the end of the sparring I ended up getting punched in the diaphragm which led to a nockdown. But I managed to come back for the final seconds.

I was given the tip not to aim for the head, as my opponent is very fast.

Do you have any more tips for me to practice and improve my boxing?