Palace congratulates Donaire on win vs Vazquez

Malacañang on Sunday congratulated Filipino boxing champ Nonito “The Filipino Flash" Donaire for his win over Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in San Antonio. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte voiced optimism Donaire’s win may signal a trend of Filipinos capturing the world’s major boxing titles. “Congratulations sa ating Filipino Flash si Nonito Donaire, pang-apat na ito na kanyang WBO title. Mukhang nakakabal natin ang mga belt (Congratulations to our Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire. This is his fourth World Boxing Organization title. It appears Filipino boxers are on their way to dominating the world boxing scene)," she said on government-run dzRB radio. She added Donaire’s victory “will bring pride and honor to Filipinos who love to watch, who are really avid boxing fanatics." Valte said Donaire’s victory complements the conquests of Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny" Pacquiao, himself a world champion in many weight classes. “This is something that would bring happiness and pride again to our country," Valte said. Donaire (28-1, 18 KO) captured the WBO super bantamweight title via split decision over Vazquez. Boxing site BadLeftHook.com reported the official scores were 117-110 and 117-110 for Donaire, and 115-112 for Vazquez. The BadLeftHook.com report said Donaire also sustained an injured left hand during the bout. — LBG, GMA News