Nonito Donaire Jnr, at 38, shows the world that he still has it after he claimed the WBC bantamweight title by stopping Nordine Oubaali of France in the 4th round in a magical performarce at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Califronia Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) broadcast on Showtime.
After a feeling out first round, both the defending champion Oubaali and the four-division champion Donaire begun to work with Oubaali going forward, throwing his patented combinations and Doanire, wisened with 20 years in the ring, looking to counter with his lethal left hand.
In the third round, the left hand that the boxing world was too familiar with, connected once again that sent Ouabaali down to the canvas for the first time in his career. Sensing blood, Donaire put the pressure on Oubaali who did a good job in trying to survive but right at the end of the bell, Donaire connected with his left again that sent Ouabaali kissing the canvas for the second time. Veteran referee Jack Reiss took a good look at the Frenchman, who appeared badly hurt, but allowed him to continue to fight.
In the fateful 4th round, Donaire connected with a combination the the head and body of Oubaali finishing it up with another lethal left uppercut that dropped Ouabaali for good as Referee Jack Reiss waved off to stop the fight. Time: 1:52 of the 4th round.
Donaire thus became the oldest bantamweight champion dislodging fellow Filipino Gerry Penalosa who became the oldest to hold the title at 36 in 2007.
Donaire (41-6-0, 27KOs) said afterwards that his goal is to become the undisputed bantamweight champion and having a rematch with Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue who holds the WBA and IBF portion of the belts.
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