MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxers Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. and Bernabe “The Real Deal” Concepcion were congratulated with a motorcade by the Manila City Government on Monday, following their recent victories in Las Vegas.
After a courtesy call to Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in the morning, Donaire and Concepcion were paraded around the city to the delight of local boxing fans.
Donaire, the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight champion, was accompanied by his wife, Rachel.
The 27-year-old fighter retained his title after scoring a knockout over late replacement Manuel “Chango” Vargas of Mexico in the 3rd round of the Pinoy Power 3/ Latin Fury 13 at the Las Vegas Hilton.
He controlled the bout before flooring Vargas with a solid left uppercut. He now has a record of 23-1 (with 15 KOs).
Shortly after his fight, Donaire said he is setting his sights on the WBA and World Boxing Council (WBC) unified super flyweight belts of Armenian Vic Darchinyan.
Concepcion, meantime, won his 10-round bout over Mario “Principe Ponce” Santiago via unanimous decision with the scores 98-91, 96-93, 97-92.
The 22-year-old is set to face World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Juan Manuel Lopez of Puerto Rico in June.
Concepcion, who is being managed by 7-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, currently has 28 wins (with 15 KOs), 3 losses and 1 draw. – With a report from ANC
