Moments ago at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nonito Donaire claimed the WBC and WBO bantamweight crowns with a vicious 2nd round knockout over Los Mochis, Mexico’s Fernando Montiel. It is by far the most impressive victory of the 28-year old’s flourishing career.
The action was tense in the first round as Nonito patiently stalked his foe. Montiel was cautious and attempted to answer with counter lefts but it was there was an alarming edge in speed for Donaire, who had success with fast body shots and the occasional lead right hand.
In the second round round Montiel threw with a right hand but was countered with a flush counter left hook. Montiel crashed to the canvas hard and appeared to be out. The champion’s heart allowed him to rise but he was swarmed in the corner by Donaire, with the contest being called off moments later.
Donaire lept in the air, with memories of his July 2007 knockout over Vic Darchinyan coming to mind. For a fighter who had been plagued by not having the right kind of opponents in front of him, this was a crowning moment for the Filipino-born, American fighter.
Donaire said that he predicted a second round knockout months ago. As for his future he hinted that he is willing to rise as high as 126 pounds pounds, a division full of dangerous champions such as Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa.
Donaire also gave credit to Filipino icon and WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, whom he said made all of this possible for him.
