DONAIRE RETAINS IBF FLYWEIGHT TITLE WITH 6TH ROUND TKO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 03 Nov 2008
IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire retained his IBF title which was on the line against mandatory challenger Moruti Mthalane of South Africa with a 6th round TKO victory at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Donaire hardly showed the flash that saw him win the title with a spectacular, perfectly-timed left hook against Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007. Drachinyan himself reached greater heights a short while before Donaire stepped into the ring with a dominating 9th round knockout of WBC/WBA champion Cristian Mijares to add the titles to his IBF super flyweight crown.
There was no doubt that the taller Filipino was the more skilful fighter who used his left jab and hooks as well as a solid right to get the better of the overly cautious and defensive Mthalane who nevertheless did have his moments although they were few and far between.
Donaire whose last fight was an 8th round stoppage of Mexico?s Luis Maldonado in December 2007 was clearly showing the effects of an almost year-long layoff when his former promoter Gary Shaw apparently couldn?t get him a fight.It took a move to the astute Bob Arum of Top Rank to land Donaire a title defense and a solid purse of $250,000.
Donaire began the fight with a feeling-out round using his left jab to size up Mthalane and then connecting with a hard right over the South African?s left.
Donaire began to move around well and slip the challenger?s punches but Mthalane connected with an overhand right before Donaire caught him with a left hook followed by a right uppercut.
Mthalane connected with a solid right just as the bell sounded for the end of round three after Donaire worked the body with a couple of left hooks. The Filipino switched to a southpaw stance to try and throw Mthalane off and confuse him but the little South African didn?t seem too bothered and appeared to be more relaxed and aggressive which was reflected in the punch stats where Mthalane?s output gave him a two-to- one margin (18-9) over Donaire.
Donaire decided that he was more effective fighting from a southpaw stance which gave him leeway to flick his right straight into the face of Mthalane and then nail him with vicious left hooks which was where Donaire?s power emanated from.
A swelling was beginning to develop under the right eye of Donaire but he connected with a right that opened up a cut inside Mthalane?s eyelid which began to bleed forcing Donaire to point it out to referee Joe Cortez who immediately called a halt.
The ringside doctor took a close look and after consulting with him Cortez stopped the bout ?due to a severe laceration over the left eye? of Mthalane at 1: 31 of round six to give Donaire a TKO victory.
In an overseas telephone conversation with www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports from his dressing room shortly after the fight, Donaire said ?when I saw the blood was getting into his eyes and he couldn?t see anymore I felt why do more damage? adding he knew they were going to stop the fight.
Donaire conceded that his performance was not as impressive as he would have wanted it to be but said ?its probably the ring rust caused by the long layoff. You know I got the win and that?s what counts.?
Donaire was amazed when we told him about the tremendous performance by Darchinyan saying ?wow, that?s terrific.? However, D onaire didn?t specifically discuss a possible rematch with Darchinyan at 115 pounds stating that ?whoever they want whatever they (Top Rank and manager Cameron Dunkin) want I?m ready for it.?
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told us some time ago that should both Donaire and Mexico?s WBA super flyweight interim champion Jorge Arce win he planned to match them against each other early next year in Manila. There was also the possibility that Donaire may take on WBO champion Fernando Montiel possibly in Macau but there?s nothing definite.
Donaire is likely to visit the Philippines for Christmas with his wife Rachael, a taekwondo champion, who was heard screaming while the fight was going on.
Donaire said aside from the long layoff the other problem was that Mthalane was
?very defensive and that?s what made it hard for me to land my bombs.?
Donaire?s father/trainer Nonito Donaire Sr admitted that his son was not at his best but that it was not due to speculations that he had problems making the flyweight limit.
He said Nonito ?couldn?t really move his legs and the guy was an awkward fighter.?
Nonito Donaire Jr poses with his belts during the post fight press conference at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Saturday night. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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