Alejandro Santiago Wins by UD Over Nonito Donaire to Capture WBC Bantam Title
By Ralph Rimpell
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 30 Jul 2023
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas -- In a 12 round bout for the the vacant WBC Bantamweight title Nonito Donaire of the Philippines (42-7) faced off against Alejandro Santiago of Mexico (28-3-5, 14KOs)
Round 1-2 - In round 1 and 2 Donaire stalked Santiago while Santiago was content to use the ring to avoid the punches of the taller Donaire. 10-9 Donaire (1 &2).
Round 3 - Santiago tried to go on the offensive and got caught with a perfect left hook counter that hurt Santiago. Donaire tried to press the action but Santiago went back on the defensive mode. 10-9 Donaire
Round 4- Santiago took more chances in round 4, picked his spots, and scored effectively. 10-9 Santiago.
Round 5 - More of the same action from round 4.
Round 6 - Santiago used good defense to avoid the jab of Donaire and picked his spot well to land his punches. 10-9 Santiago.
Round 7 - At the beginning of round 7 there was a momentary pause in the action due to a cut on Santiago right eye from an apparent accidental clash of heads. After being examined momentarily by the ring side Physician, the fight was allowed to resume. More of the same action from round 6. 10-9 Santiago.
Round 8 - Santiago comes out throwing his jab to set up his punches. Donaire works behind his jab in an attempt to land his right hand. Good action in round 8. 10-9 Santiago
Round 9 - Good action in this round. Both fighters landed hard punches in an apparent attempt to end the fight. Close round but Santiago landed the cleaner more effective punches. Santiago 10-9.
Round 10- More of the the same action from round 9. Santiago 10-9
Round 11- Donaire come out with sense of urgency perhaps sensing he may be behind on the Judge's score cards and immediately attempts to press the action looking to land heavy punches. Santiago 10-9
Round 12 - In the last round Santiago boxed, used good head movement, and landed effectively while evading Donaire's punches. Santiago 10-9.
At the end of the fight the Judges scored the fight for Alejandro Garcia. Two judges scored the fight 115-113 while the other scored it 116-112. Santiago wins his first world title in his second attempt and was so overcome with emotion he was in tears. In post fight ring interview Santiago thanked his parents, his team, and all who supported him to finally becoming a world champion. When Donaire was interviewed regarding his future, he was noncommittal as to his plans except for he would speak with his wife Rachel and "go back to the drawing board". A great performance by Santiago and an excellent performance by the 40 year old multidivisional former champion Donaire and future hall of famer.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ralph Rimpell.
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