THE Philippine flag soared high on top of the boxing world Saturday, when the country captured not just one but two world boxing crowns courtesy of two little men with big fighting hearts–Florante Condes and Nonito Donaire.
The Fil-Am Donaire, known as the “Filipino Flash,” scored a sensational fifth-round knockout victory over Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan to snatch the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight title at the Harbour Yard Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Hours earlier, Florante “Little Pacquiao” Condes displayed tremendous power in scoring a split decision triumph over Muhammad Rachman and snaring the IBF mini-flyweight crown in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With the twin victories, the Philippines suddenly has two legitimate world titles, aside from owning the toast of the boxing world right now in Manny Pacquiao.
Donaire, who was the heavy underdog against the power-hitting Darchinyan entering the fight, ended the champion’s reign with a beautiful left hook just as the Armenian-turned-Australian was ready to throw his dreaded left.
The vicious shot landed on Darchinyan’s mouth and sent him crashing to the floor. He tried to get up but staggered against the ropes, and referee Eddie Claudio halted the fight at the 38-second mark of the round.
The victory improved Donaire’s record to 18-1 with 11 KOs and more importantly avenged the defeat of his older brother Glenn at the hands of Darchinyan in October last year.
Darchinyan, who declared before the fight that he was going to punish Donaire, suffered the first defeat of his boxing career instead and dropped to 28-1.
Donaire is originally from General Santos City but moved to San Leandro, California years ago to pursue his career in boxing.
Condes showed boxing skills in beating Rachman, whom he floored twice–in the third and in the 10th.
Rachman also suffered a cut over his right eye in the 10th round from a legitimate Condes blow.
