Nonito Donaire wins 1st title fight in new weight division

In his first fight as a super flyweight, Nonito “The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. landed more punches to beat an overweight Rafael “El Torito" Concepcion via unanimous decision in the main event of “Pinoy Power 2" Sunday (Saturday night in Las Vegas) at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Donaire, the 26-year-old San Leandro, California-based fighter, won the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight crown. Even if Concepcion defeated Donaire he would still not be eligible for the WBA crown after the Panamanian failed to make weight in the 115-lb division. Concepcion tipped the scales at 119.5 lbs, which is 4.5 lbs over the super flyweight division limit. Being over the 115-lb limit meted the Panamanian a $13,000 fine. It is Donaire’s third title in his second weight division. He previously held the International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization flyweight belts but had to forfeit both 112-lb crowns after deciding to jump up the super flyweight class. Donaire, wearing a yellow robe with red trimmings in memory of the late President Corazon Aquino (with Aquino's name at the back of his robe and trunks), entered the ring in customized Philippine-themed boxing boots in tribute to his Filipino roots. And with the Filipino song “Sarung Banggi" in the background, Team Donaire entered the ring to the cheers of his mostly Filipino fans. Donaire said he plans to fight further up to the 135 lbs. “I want to test my skills against Fernando Montiel and Jorge Arce." Montiel and Arce, both top Mexican fighters, are fighting in the bantamweight (118 lbs) and super flyweight (115 lbs) divisions, respectively. Donaire opened a cut on Concepcion’s left eye lid in the second round but failed to capitalize on that advantage after the Panamanian retaliated with his own combinations. Concepcion, with his almost five-pound weight advantage, landed several power punches and jabs at Donaire’s face and body, forcing the Filipino to fight from the outside and limit his inside incursions against his opponent. Donaire made his move in the championship rounds (Rounds 10 to 12) connecting solidly before the end of the 10th. Both fighters then delighted the crowd in the 11th exchanging a flurry of punches but both showed toughness with no one being knocked down. All three judges gave the fight to Donaire, who offered the victory to the late former President Corazon Aquino and to all his Filipino fans. Judge Max De Luca scored it at 117-111, Duane Ford saw it at 115-113 while Jerry Roth gave a 116-112 edge all for Donaire. – GMANews.TV