Inoue unleashed 'hardest punch I've ever been hit with' - Donaire

SAITAMA, Japan -- Nonito Donaire said he was felled by "the hardest punch I've ever been hit with" as bantamweight king Naoya Inoue inflicted a sensational second-round stoppage on the Filipino veteran in Saitama.

The unbeaten Japan boxing great known as "Monster" scored his 20th KO victory in 23 fights to add the WBC title to his WBA and IBF belts in a breathless display of power punching. 

In the pair's first, classic fight three years ago in the same arena, five-weight world champion Donaire fractured a bone in Inoue's face as the Japanese was pushed all the way before scoring a unanimous points victory.

But in Tuesday's rematch, the 39-year-old "Filipino Flash" Donaire was demolished like never before in his storied career.

Just seconds before the end of an even first round, Inoue's lightning quick overhand right to Donaire's temple scrambled the senses of the future Hall-of-Famer and sent him sprawling.

"That was the hardest punch I've ever been hit with. I came up completely blank," Donaire said to fans live on his YouTube channel following the defeat.

"When I got hit I didn't even know I got dropped. I didn't see that punch coming at all because I was trying to counter him and got caught. That was pretty much it."

In round two a barrage of precision power punches from Inoue induced wobbly legs in the gutsy Donaire before a second knockdown saw the referee call off the contest.

Donaire had only been stopped once in his previous 48 fights.

He paid tribute to the 29-year-old Inoue, regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound puncher in world boxing.

"He's an amazing fighter and I'm glad I got to share the ring with him," said Donaire.

"Inoue got me really good and I'm glad the referee stopped the fight as I was always going to stand up -- I just don't have any quit in me.

"It is what it is. I'm only grateful that I'm healthy."

Agence France-Presse

Donaire hopes to continue resurgence with win over fellow Filipino

LOS ANGELES, United States - Nonito Donaire looked impressive with a sensational early knockout in a WBC bantamweight title fight earlier this year and now he wants to continue his resurgence by ruling the 118-pound division again.

A natural right-hander with the ability to also box as a southpaw, the four-division champion Donaire defends his title on Saturday against undefeated top contender and fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Many believed Donaire was done when he lost by unanimous decisions to Jessie Magdaleno at 122 pounds and to Carl Frampton at 126 pounds in April 2018.

In answer, Donaire rejuvenated his career by moving back down to 118 pounds, which seems to suit him just fine. He has won two fights at 118 and gave Japanese champion Naoya Inoue all he could handle in 2019.

In his most recent fight, Donaire claimed the WBC world bantamweight title at age 38 with a sensational fourth round knockout of Nordine Oubaali to become the oldest world champion ever at 118 pounds. Donaire dropped Oubaali three times, knocking him out with a left hand. 

"For me, after the Naoya Inoue fight, I saw that I still had a purpose in this sport," said Donaire, who turned 39 on November 16. "I came in strong against Nordine Oubaali in my last fight because I have that purpose. That purpose is to become undisputed champion of the world."

Like his countryman Manny Pacquiao, Donaire lived in General Santos City, Philippines, until he was six and attended the same school as PacMan.

He moved to the United States at age 11 when he gained citizenship through family connections. Donaire's amateur record of 68-8 includes winning three US national championships.

Gaballo comes into the fight with a 24-0 record with 20 knockouts.

"I'm proud that there is another Filipino fighting at this level. I'm happy to be sharing the ring with Reymart," Donaire said. "I know he's very hungry and that he has a big dream, just like everyone in the Philippines. 

"I know that he's going to be at his best, so I made sure that I'm prepared and at my best as well."

In his last bout, Gaballo won a split-decision victory over Emmanuel Rodriguez in a close fight that some thought was won by Rodriguez. 

Gaballo has never faced anyone with the skills of Donaire so this will be by far the biggest challenge of his career.

"When I look at my last fight, I see that I have to improve my head movement and throw more punches. I believe that I've made the improvements that I needed to during training camp," he said.

Agence France-Presse

Donaire lauds Frampton, plans to move down in weight

MANILA – Former world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire was the picture of class following his unanimous decision loss to Carl Frampton in their featherweight showdown in Belfast on Saturday (early Sunday in Manila).

Frampton put on a show in his hometown, and won with scores of 117-111 across the board. In the process, he earned the interim WBO featherweight championship.


Donaire had no complaints about the scores and immediately hugged Frampton when the decision was announced. Backstage, he was again shown congratulating the younger fighter and saying "I'm cheering for you."

Frampton earned a shot at the WBO's regular belt, as well as the IBO featherweight belt, with his triumph.

"First of all, always want to thank God for keeping me safe in that ring. Not taking anything away from Frampton. He is an amazing fighter, smart and a tough mf," Donaire said on social media after his bout.

"Congratulations… may you continue to be on top," he added.

Donaire, who sustained his fifth career loss, also said that he intends to move back down in weight after a difficult campaign as a featherweight.

"My team, family, and Ringstar will have a meeting but I think it has already been predecided that although I have done my best to gain weight and keep my weight on and strong, it's best I move back down in weight," he said.

Donaire's biggest success came when he was a super bantamweight. As a featherweight, he has compiled a 2-2 win-loss record; one of those defeats was a stunning knockout at the hands of Nicholas Walters.

Still, Frampton was wary of Donaire's power and commended the Filipino star for his effort following their bout.

"Nonito Donaire was dangerous from start to finish. I stuck to the game plan and at times my boxing was beautiful," said Frampton, who was rocked by Donaire during the 11th round of the bout but stayed strong.

Donaire's record dropped to 38-5 with the result.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Donaire dominates Garcia Hernandez to win WBC silver belt

Former world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire made a victorious return to the ring as he comprehensively outpointed Ruben Garcia Hernandez in a ten-round featherweight bout in San Antonio, Texas.

The three judges scored the bout 100-90, 97-93, 99-91, all in favor of Donaire, who bounced back from a controversial loss to Jessie Magdaleno in November 2016.


With the win, Donaire secured the WBC silver featherweight title, and put himself back in the conversation for future world title fights.

"I boxed very well, which is something I haven't' done in a long time," said Donaire, as quoted by Boxing Scene. "I moved my legs well and maintained it throughout the whole fight."

Donaire improved his career record to 38 wins with four losses, while handing Garcia Hernandez his third professional loss.

"I'll go look at this fight and see what I should have done to improve," said the 34-year-old Donaire. "It's great to get the victory and get a great learning experience under my belt."

This is Donaire's first fight under the banner of Richard Schaefer's Ringstar Sports.

You can catch the prime time telecast of Donaire versus Hernandez tonight at 7:00 PM on ABS-CBN Sports and Action channel 23.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Analysts hope to see more from Donaire

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing analysts believe the best is yet to come for four-division former world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. who is due to collide with heavy-hitting Armenian Vic Darchinyan this weekend.

According to ESPN’s boxing analyst Kieran Mulvaney, Donaire may have lost a bit of his focus heading to the Guillermo Rigondeaux fight last April, which cost him his WBO super bantamweight crown.

“He's taken his eyes off the prize a little bit I think... he hadn't focus on the nuts and bolts of what made him successful, he had to go in whether he still wanted to do this,’ said Mulvaney in ESPN.com.

The analyst said fans will probably see a more eager, more focused Donaire against Darchinyan after the loss to Rigondeaux.

“I think we'd probably see him rededicated,” said Mulvaney, who described the Filipino Flash as a “very skillful fighter.”

“Assuming he's rededicated, i think we'd see a good couple of years of high quality boxing from Nonito Donaire.”

For his part, ESPN analyst Brian Campbell sees the Darchinyan fight as a get-well bout for Donaire, who suffered a slight dip in his career after his loss to Rigondeaux and a six-month hiatus from the fight game.

“He's coming into a rematch with Darchinyan, the guy he knocked out in their first meeting many years ago in 2007. What he's looking to do here is getting his name back out there,” said Campbell.

Although the bout is a rematch, Campbell sees Donaire wanting to prove himself again.

“For him, he's not taking [Darchinyan] lightly,” said the analyst. “He really thinks that Darchinyan coming here at age 37 is going to be motivated for the biggest fight of his life, last stand if you will to come out and get revenge against Donaire.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire picked to win against Darchinyan

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is expected to seal his comeback with a victory against Vic Darchinyan this weekend.

Donaire will slug it out in a triple headline at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas this Saturday.

Before leaving Las Vegas, he geared up for his upcoming fight with heavy and intense training, practicing on his ferocious punches, and testing the accuracy of each punch.

Six months after the birth of his son Jarel, Donaire said he is more inspired this time because his dad Donaire Sr. is on his camp.

“Ibibigay ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko. Nag-training ako ng husto… I'll be ready for the fight,” he said.

Veteran sports writer Kevin Iole said he expects Donaire to knock out the Armenian boxer, noting that the Filipino is in his prime of his boxing career.

“I like Nonito Donaire but you know Nonito just had a couple of bad performances. He needs to step up. He showed no adjustment against Rigondeaux and I think Nonito is really a talented guy,” said Iole. “I like Nonito Donaire as a fighter… Nonito should score a win by knock out on that fight.”

Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. also picked Donaire for a win but not with a knockout.

“Knockout sometimes come sometimes not, but I think he'll win the fight,” he said.

Meanwhile, some boxing analysts said that even though Donaire has the edge in terms of power and speed over Darchinyan, the Filipino Flash still needs to take this fight seriously.

“I think Darchinyan is coming up in weight he feels better as this weight. However, I think he is still not gonna be able to stop Nonito's speed he is not gonna be able to counter that Nonito's got power,” said Jaime Motta of Univision Sports.

“I think we could see the same result… Another knockout by Nonito. The one thing he does have to do is go back to his roots, he needs to box. He can’t let all the press and all the accolades get in to his head and just think that he is going to win just because he is stepping in the ring.

“I think he is probably taking a li’l bit more serious now. I think his loss to [Guillermo] Rigondeaux really hit home,” concluded Motta.

The fight will air Sunday morning on the ABS-CBN Channel 2 with an evening replay on Studio 23.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Pacquiao, Donaire staying with HBO'

Boxing promoter Bob Arum assured that most of Top Rank’s fighters, including its biggest superstar Manny Pacquiao, will remain with HBO.

Arum has guaranteed HBO a steady supply of action-packed fights following the cable giant’s split with Top Rank’s rival company Golden Boy Promotions.

“As far as we’re concerned we’re a big supplier of product to HBO,” the promoter said in Boxing Scene.

Among their “products” are Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez and Filipino boxing attractions Nonito Donaire Jr. and Pacquiao.

Arum believes HBO decided to ditch Golden Boy for giving them “appearance bouts.”

“You can’t do appearance fights anymore,” Arum said. “You can’t do [Andre] Berto fights, like they did for years, anymore. You can’t do that. It’s a waste of money and it doesn’t give the people an opportunity to see exciting action.”

On the other hand, Arum pointed out that Top Rank has been giving out "thrilling matches" just like the recent scrap between Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov.

“You’ve got to give them fights which, at least on paper, look like they’re going to be the kind of battles like we saw on Saturday night (Bradley-Prvodnikov),” he said.

Arum added that more engaging battles are still on HBO’s way this March and April.

“If you look at the next fights we have on HBO, the [Brandon] Rios-[Mike] Alvarado fight, well, we know that’s a war. And then [Nonito] Donaire and [Guillermo] Rigondeaux ought to be a classic,” he said.

Pacquiao and Donaire are among Top Rank’s biggest stars.

Save for the Shane Mosley fight, which was aired on Showtime, most of Pacquiao’s high-profile bouts were aired by HBO. His fourth clash with Marquez garnered over 1.15 million pay-per-view buys.

Donaire has also been gaining attraction for his recent exploits in the ring. In 2012, he scored a string of victories over Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Jeffrey Mathebula, Toshiaki Nishioka and Jorge Arce.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire is ESPN's Boxer of the Year

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire was the "easy pick" for ESPN's "Boxer of the Year" after a sensational 2012 that saw him solidify his position as one of the sport's top pound-for-pound fighters.


Donaire, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and RING super bantamweight champion, was named Boxer of the Year by ESPN, beating other top contenders including Juan Manuel Marquez, Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero.

"It might sound strange, but no, Manny Pacquiao was not the best fighter from the Philippines in 2012,” wrote ESPN’s Dan Rafael. "That honor goes to 'The Filipino Flash,' junior featherweight titlist Nonito Donaire, who had a year for the ages."

"Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) began the year having vacated his bantamweight belts and preparing to move up to junior featherweight. Four fights later, in an exceptionally busy year by modern standards for an elite champion, the quick-fisted and powerful Donaire stands atop the 122-pound division," Rafael wrote.

Rafael said Donaire "was the easy pick for 2012 ESPN.com Boxer of the Year."

"Donaire easily handled the move up in weight, winning all four of his fights in dominant fashion. He dropped each of his foes – scoring seven knockdowns in all – won twice by knockout and collected two world titles," Rafael wrote.

'The Philippines' best boxer'

In his first fight of the year, Donaire defeated Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by split decision to claim the vacant WBO belt. He then decisioned South Africa's Jeffrey Mathebula in July to claim the International Boxing Federation belt.

In October, Donaire knocked out top Japanese boxer Toshiaki Nishioka in the ninth round, then capped off his year with a sensational third round knockout of Mexican warrior Jorge Arce last December 15.

"It was the exclamation point on a year in which Donaire seized the mantle from Pacquiao, his idol, as the Philippines' best boxer and continued to assert himself as one of the best fighters in the world, period," Rafael wrote.

Rafael also commended Donaire for being the first and only boxer in the world to undergo random drug testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association on a year-round basis.

"This in an era when every great performance unfortunately comes under the suspicion of possible
performance-enhancing drug use – except, of course, Donaire's," he said.

Donaire becomes the second Filipino fighter to claim the award, after Pacquiao, who won in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Edged Marquez, Garcia

Mexico's Marquez became a contender for the Boxer of the Year award after his stunning sixth-round knockout of Pacquiao in their fourth encounter last December 7, a punch that Rafael called "the shot heard 'round the world."

"In the most stunning scene of the year, Marquez earned the first definitive result in his epic four-fight series with Pacquiao," he wrote. "Marquez may trail the all-time series 2-1-1, but the knockout in their welterweight fight is the most memorable moment from the four fights."

Rafael also noted that the knockout was "one of the most significant moments in boxing in recent years."

Undefeated American Danny Garcia was also a contender for Boxer of the Year after winning all three of his fights in 2012. He decisioned Mexican legend Erik Morales in March, knocked out Amir Khan in July, and then knocked out Morales in their rematch in October.

Meanwhile, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero also had a strong 2012 after proving himself to be a true contender at the welterweight division. Guerrero defeated Selcuk Aydin and the decisioned former champion Andre Berto.

Another Filipino fighter, Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria, was also a contender for Boxer of the Year.

"'The Hawaiian Punch' scored knockouts against quality opponents in both of his 2012 fights. In May, Viloria retained his flyweight title by stopping Omar Nino Romero in the ninth round to exact revenge from a previous loss and no-contest,” Rafael wrote.

"In November, in an exceptional fight, Viloria stopped Hernan 'Tyson' Marquez to unify 112-pound titles."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire should be Fighter of the Year: analyst

MANILA, Philippines – A boxing analyst believes Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire should be named the Fighter of the Year after a highly successful 2012 campaign that saw him fight four times, with all fights coming against highly rated opponents.

In an era wherein most of the top fighters fight only once or twice in a calendar year, Donaire was extraordinarily active and repeatedly took on the top fighters in his division.

According to boxing analyst Al Mendoza, this makes him deserving of the Fighter of the Year award.

"Pinag-uusapan ngayon sa boxing circles kung sino ang itatanghal na Fighter of the Year. Ako, hindi naman sa dahil Pilipino si Donaire, pero ako, automatic na si Donaire," Mendoza said on radio DZMM Monday.

"Apat na laban, one fight every three months, matindi 'yan," he said. "Four fights in one year, apat na panalo, 'yung last two by knockout."

Donaire kicked off his 2012 campaign with a split decision victory over Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in February, followed by a unanimous decision win over South Africa's Jeffrey Mathebula in July.

He then knocked out Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka in October and then ended Jorge Arce's career with a third-round knockout in December.

Mendoza said Donaire's main competition for Fighter of the Year is Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez, who stormed his way into the ballot after a sensational sixth-round knockout of Filipino icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

"Hindi naman sa pagmamaliit, pero 'yung kay Donaire, three rounds. Six rounds kay Marquez," Mendoza said.

Mendoza also pointed out that Marquez landed a "lucky punch" that led to his knockout of Pacquiao, while Donaire clinically broke down Arce over the course of three rounds before landing his left hook to end the fight.

"Si Arce, hindi rin basta-basta. Four-time world champion, 61 wins, 46 knockouts," Mendoza added.

If Donaire is tabbed as Fighter of the Year, he becomes only the second Filipino to win the award. Pacquiao was named Fighter of the Year by The RING Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

'Promoters blocking Donaire-Mares fight'

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito Donaire Jr. facing fellow super bantamweight champion Abner Mares would have been a highly entertaining fight, but their respective handlers are just not making it happen, said ESPN’s resident boxing analyst Dan Rafael.

“It's not happening because of the silly, energy-sucking feud between Golden Boy and Top Rank, which has done nothing but damage the sport for years even if the bosses of the companies won't admit it,” Rafael said in his blog.


Donaire, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight king, fights under Bob Arum’s Top Rank.

Mares, the World Boxing Council (WBC) title holder, is signed with Golden Boy Promotions which is headed by Oscar de la Hoya.

“A match between them would be one of the most significant and entertaining in the sport -- one HBO and Showtime would fall over each other to pay a lot of money to get,” said Rafael.

Mexico’s Mares said he was hoping to get to fight Donaire, but the bout did not materialize.

He said he hopes that Top Rank and Golden Boy will end their differences soon so that he could face “The Filipino Flash.”

"Without a doubt, I'll take, hands down, the Nonito fight. All I have to say is this fight [with Anselmo Moreno] is done already, I'm fighting Moreno and [then] keep going. This is a tough fight and, God willing, I win this fight I hope [and] I really hope that we get the Nonito fight after."

Mares will be fighting Moreno this weekend.

Donaire also voiced his willingness to face the unbeaten Mares.

“More than anybody, I’d like to fight Mares,” he said. “I think if we get it on, it will be a great fight.”

But he admitted that the bout is unlikely to happen since they are being handled by different promotional companies.

“He’s with Golden Boy and I’m promoted by Top Rank,” said Donaire. “There’s a wall blocking the fight because we’re promoted by different groups.”

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Arum confident that Donaire vs Arce will happen

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing promoter Bob Arum remains confident that a deal can still be made between boxing champion Nonito Donaire Jr. and Mexico’s Jorge Arce.

Donaire seemed to have given up on Arce, whom he claimed to have been demanding a hefty purse for their proposed December 15 bout.

But Arum said that there have been new developments regarding the negotiations.

He said they will be coming out with an announcement on Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines).

"I can't say anything specific, because I promised not to, but we're not ready to announce anything today," Arum said in RingTV.


"A lot of things have been happening. The fight's going to happen and it's going to happen on Dec. 15. We'll have an announcement on Tuesday."

Donaire, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super bantamweight champion, has already agreed to take on Arce in the latter’s turf.

Arce, however, said he’ll only fight if he will be given the fight purse he deserves.

"I would be happy to take that fight but I hope I get the price [I'm asking for]. I'm not asking for the pearls of the virgin. I'm demanding just what I think the fight is worth," the Mexican brawler earlier said.

The Filipino Flash reacted with frustration. “They keep on demanding everything. I have the belt and yet they’re still demanding?”

“Arce knows I’m going to his lair. They know that I’m fighting though I’m still injured. Yet they still don’t want to get the fight done,” Donaire added.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

'Arce wants more than he deserves' – Donaire

MANILA, Philippines – Unified super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire claims Mexican boxer Jorge Arce is asking for far more money than he deserves, which led to the breakdown in negotiations between the two camps.

Donaire was reported to be fighting Arce on December 15, with the Filipino champion even willing to fight in Arce’s hometurf of Mexico City.

The talks fell apart, however, after Arce priced himself out of the bout.

“It’s just that he wants to get paid,” Donaire said in an interview with PTV Sports, as quoted by Examiner. “That’s what he wants. He wants more than what he deserves.”

Donaire pointed out that this was not the first time negotiations fell apart between their camps.

“We already tried to ink the fight five or six times,” he revealed. “But they keep on demanding everything. I have the belt and yet they’re still demanding?”

“Arce knows I’m going to his lair. They know that I’m fighting though I’m still injured. Yet they still don’t want to get the fight done,” Donaire added.

Earlier this year, it was rumored that Donaire and Arce were close to meeting inside the ring, but talks reportedly broke down due to Arce’s financial demands.

Donaire wound up fighting, and beating, top Japanese boxer Toshiaki Nishioka last October 13 in California.

Aside from the financial issue, Donaire believes there is one more reason for Arce’s reluctance to fight him.

“I’m a pretty dangerous opponent,” he said. “I have power. I can hurt him when I choose to.”

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire makes film debut in Visayan indie

MANILA, Philippines -- Fresh from his victory over Japanese fighter Toshiaki Nishioka, Filipino boxing champion Nonito Donaire is now busy promoting his debut movie.

In his live guesting on "Umagang Kay Ganda" on Monday, Donaire shared his excitement over his Visayan independent film "Palad Ta Ang Nagbuot" (Our Fate Decides), which will premiere on October 31.

"It's a Visayan movie but may English subtitles para they will know the story," Donaire said.

Donaire said the film tells the story of boxers like him who are working hard to be successful.

"It's story of our lives na parang may hardships. At saka it's up to us to be happy as long as we believe in ourselves, we believe in God," he added.

Directed and produced by Dandin Ranillo, the film also stars Mon Confiado, Krissel Joy Valdez, Dionne Monsanto and veteran actress Gloria Sevilla, who has been dubbed the Queen of Visayan Movies .

"Iiyak po kayo, tatawa po kayo, magandang story po," Donaire said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire TKOs Nishioka in round 9

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire solidified his status as one of the top boxers in the super bantamweight division after a technical knockout victory over Japanese fighter Toshiaki Nishioka Saturday at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California (Sunday in Manila).

Donaire, ranked in the top five of most pound-for-pound lists, outclassed Nishioka with superior speed and punching power while negating the Japanese's sporadic attacks with accurate counter-punching en route to a ninth-round TKO.

Donaire retained the World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Federation super bantamweight titles, while annexing Nishioka's World Boxing Council diamond belt and the vacant RING super bantamweight title.

It was Donaire's first stoppage victory in the super bantamweight division since he moved up to the weight class last year.

Unlike his recent fights, Donaire displayed greater patience and followed his game plan to the letter, picking Nishioka apart clinically and waiting for the Japanese boxer to open up instead of actively seeking for the one-punch knockout.

Both fighters promised to put on an exciting fight, but it turned out to be a tactical boxing match with few highlights outside of Donaire's two knockdowns in the sixth and ninth rounds. The two fighters showed good patience in setting up their offense, though it was Donaire who was eventually able to take advantage of Nishioka's mistakes.

"We knew we could not stop the fight with one punch. Nishioka is a great fighter," Donaire said after the bout.

Fight statistics were overwhelmingly in favor of Donaire: the Filipino boxer landed nearly 134 punches of 485 thrown, while Nishioka only landed 49 out 199 punches thrown.

Slow start


 The fight started off slowly, with both fighters sizing each other up in the opening round. Donaire started getting his offense going in the second round, but Nishioka was not a willing partner as the Japanese kept his hands up to avoid Donaire’s left hand.

But even with Nishioka on the defensive, Donaire was able to land his jabs and his left hand with regularity.

"Donaire was very strong in the early rounds," Nishioka said through an interpreter after the fight.

The momentum shifted in the sixth round, when Donaire caught Nishioka with a hard left to the body then followed it up with a left uppercut that sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas.

Nishioka beat the 10-count, and the knockdown seemed to have woken him up as he went toe-to-toe with Donaire for the rest of round six. It was Donaire who got the better of the exchanges, however.

But in the seventh and eighth rounds, it was back to the tactical chess match even as the pace of the fight picked up. Nishioka was able to get a few hard punches in the eighth round and was seemingly getting a good rhythm going to the ninth.

In the ninth round, Nishioka was able to trap Donaire against the ropes and started unloading punches, but "The Filipino Flash" countered with a perfectly placed right straight that knocked Nishioka down anew. The Japanese once again beat the 10-count, but his corner threw in the towel soon after as Donaire swarmed in for the kill.

"When you engage, you open up," Donaire said. "I can pick him apart and then the demolition man comes in to knock him out."

"We wanted to use my jab and use my speed. I wanted to open him up by timing that jab and that's exactly what happened for me to be able to land that straight punch," he added.

The official time of stoppage was 1:54 of the ninth round.

Donaire has now won 29 straight fights to hike his record to 30 wins against one loss, with 18 wins by knockout. Nishioka lost for only the fifth time in his career and for the first time since 2004.

Donaire won his first two fights in the super bantamweight division via decision, first defeating Wilfredo Vazquez in February 2012 via split decision to win the WBO belt. He added the IBF belt with a unanimous decision victory over Jeffrey Mathebula in July.

He later tweeted that he plans to take the rest of the year off, though he said he is willing to take on all comers in the super bantamweight division. -- With a report from Agence France-Presse

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire outpoints Mathebula, becomes unified champ

Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire defeated South African boxer Jeffrey Mathebula via unanimous decision to become the unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight champion.

Donaire won with scores of 117-110, 118-109, and 119-108.

“The Filipino Flash” nearly ended the fight when he knocked down Mathebula with a cracking left hand towards the end of the fourth round.

Donaire connected with a strong left hook to Mathebula’s chin, sending the South African to the canvas. Mathebula was saved by the bell, however, and the fight went the distance.

For 12 rounds, Donaire was troubled by Mathebula’s greater reach, as he often ate several punches while moving forward. But Donaire just shrugged off most of Mathebula’s punches and landed the more telling blows, especially in the later rounds.

After getting knocked down, Mathebula became more active in the fifth and sixth rounds, putting together a series of good combinations and keeping Donaire away with his longer reach. But Donaire again ignored Mathebula’s shots, often lunging forward to pepper Mathebula with left hands.

Mathebula spent most of the later rounds covering up, throwing jabs only to keep Donaire at distance. By the 11th round, he was on his skates after eating several power punches from Donaire.

Donaire, who clearly wanted to end the fight on a spectacular note, came out swinging in the 12th round and worked Mathebula’s body in an attempt to create an opening for a knockout.

But Mathebula was an unwilling partner, as he spent most of the final round on the defensive end.

Donaire’s record improved to 29 wins against one loss, with 18 wins coming by knockout.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire ready to fix differences with mediamen

Newly-crowned World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire now wants to settle his rift with local sports analysts and sportswriters whom he feuded with recently.

This new development came after Donaire talked with sports analyst and former North Cotabato governor Manny Piñol in a report segment in 24 Oras. According to the boxer’s wife, Rachel, both camps have agreed to settle the feud and they will do it when Nonito and some of the members of the family return to Manila.

Piñol, along with sports columnist Recah Trinidad, his son, segment host and GMA-7 sports analyst Chino Trinidad, and sportswriters Anthony Andales and Granville Ampong were tagged by Rachel as “responsible for blowing their family feud out of proportion."

That started a word war between Donaire and several sports analysts, who traded barbs on the internet and social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.

Donaire has just ended his reported two-year feud with his father, Nonito Sr., and made this known to the public by posting his message on YouTube.

The Donaires said it was all a misunderstanding that was blown up by media, with Rachel going as far as directly addressing and giving the names of particular sportswriters. - RCJ, GMA News

article source- gmanews.tv