DONAIRE WINS, EARNS CRACK AT DARCHINYAN
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 14 May 2007
Nonito Donaire Jr, nicknamed “The Filipino Flash” has scored a sensational first round knockout victory over journeyman Kevin Hudgins of Pensacola, Florida and earned a crack at IBF and IBO flyweight champion Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan of Australia.
Mario Ortega Jr reporting from ringside for 15rounds.com said Donaire who came in at 115 pounds made short work of the normally durable Hudgins who despite a record of 5 wins and 9 defeats with 2 KO’s had been stopped only once early in his pro career even though he has often been matched against top prospects including Abner Mares (12-0, 8 KO's) and Raul Martinez (18-0, 12 KO's.)
The 15 rounds.com report said Donaire used his "range and superior boxing skills" to keep his opponent off track. It said Donaire picked Hudgins apart in the early stages of round one before a perfectly timed hook rocked Hudgins back into a corner.
Donaire chased the dazed Hudgins and caught him with a flurry of punches forcing referee Jay Nady to call a halt at 2:28 of the opening round. With the impressive win Donaire improved to 17-1 with 10 knockouts and is in line for a crack at the world title held by 31 year old, southpaw punching machine Darchinyan who on October 7 last year won a sixth round shutout technical decision over Nonito’s brother Glenn Donaire.
Darchinyan who has a record of 28-0 with 22 knockouts previously beat another Filipino Diosdado Gabi winning by an eighth round TKO on March 3, 2006.
Donaire who hails from General Santos City, the hometown of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao is rated No. 3 by the WBC, No. 7 by the WBA and No. 6 by the WBO. He said he is out to avenge the loss suffered by his brother at the hands of Darchinyan ub their scheduled title clash on July 7.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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