NO FLASH IN THE PAN
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 20 Apr 2009
IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire (21-1, 14 KOs) handed previously unbeaten Raul ?La Cobrita? Martinez (24-1, 14 KOs) a one-sided beating over four rounds at the historic Araneta Coliseum.
Donaire was not only flashy but fiery and sent Martinez down twice in the very first round. Donaire showed his offensive versatility and switched from orthodox to southpaw reminiscent of the great middleweight Marvin Hagler. The Filipino Flash scored another knockdown in the second.
Donaire scored with wicked combinations in the third as the Mexican challenger looked weak and tentative. Donaire finished the job in the fourth by dropping Martinez again prompting the referee to stop the fight.
Martinez graciously paid tribute to his opponent and host nation by waving the Filipino flag before he left the ring.
This was Donaire?s third title defense and he definitely showed he is no one hit wonder. This may very well be his last fight at flyweight as there are talks he will be moving up to 118 lbs and face Fernando Montiel.
Montiel now holds the interim WBO bantamweight belt after knocking out Diego Oscar Silva in three rounds last March. Filipino fans remember Montiel for his controversial split decision win over Z Gorres in Cebu City.
It was a satisfying victory for Donaire, who a few months ago, was not even sure if this bout would really be held in the Philippines. But the Filipino fans showed their support even during a Sunday morning. Donaire is one of those who will carry the torch of Philippine boxing if Manny Pacquiao really decides to retire by 2010. His performance once again showed he is worthy to use the most cherished ring name in our country?s history ? the Flash.
In one of the supporting bouts, Light flyweight Sonny Boy Jaro (30-7-5, 19 KOs) may have just closed the curtain on the career of Eriberto ?Yukka? Gejon (25-5-1, 14 KOs). An overhand right dropped Gejon for the count after just 74 seconds in the very first round.
Both fighters have lost in their attempts for a world title. But by virtue of this victory, Jaro may get another crack at WBC light flyweight titlist Edgar Sosa. Gejon was undergoing a career rebuilding process with the ALA gym and won a hard fought split decision over Ronald Castrodes during the Sinulog in Cebu.
Raul Marinez, left, of Mexico tries to avoid an attack by Nonito Donaire of Philippines during their IBF flyweight title bout in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, Philippines on Sunday April 19, 2009. Donaire retained his crown to win via technical knock out as the referee stopped the fight on the fourth round. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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