Nonito Donaire made a case to boxing pundits and media as a top five pound for pound lister as the Philippine bantamweight spectacularly knocked Fernando Montiel via a counter left hook at 2:25 of the second round to win the WBO and WBC bantamweight titles.
Donaire was clearly the much bigger fighter, though Montiel came into the fight heavier than the challenger. On lookers found out why Donaire is coined the “Filipino Flash” as he landed shots that seemed to appear like blurs moving thru the air. Montiel appeared to get into a grove in the second round, pressing forward and landed a few shots. This would be short lived as Montiel connected with a big looping hook that landed, but the glove of Donaire landed flush on the face of the former champion a split second later. Montiel immediately fell to the canvas, and seemed as if when he landed he regained consciousness. Still clearly shaken Montiel attempted to immediately get up and barley made the standing eight count. Many would of just stayed down, but the gutsy champion made the choice to continue though still clearly out of it. Donaire jumped in with a left hook and the referee immediately jumped in to the rescue of Montiel. With this performance Donaire not only solidified his place as a top pound for pound fighter, but a rising and legitimate superstar in boxing and to the number of growing Philippine fans following his blossoming career.
In other bouts:
Mike Jones def. Jesus Soto-Karass via unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 117-111)
Mickey Bey and Jose Hernandez go to a majority draw (76-76,76-76,78-74)
Mark Melligan def. Gabriel Martinez via unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92)
Yordenis Ugas def. Carlos Musquez via unanimous decision (60-54,60-54,60-54)
Mike Alvarado def. Dean Harrison via TKO in R4
