Filipinos elated with Donaire?s 3rd round knockout of Arce (PHOTOS)
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Dec 2012
Nonito Donaire Jr. prevented back to back weekends of heartache for his countrymen as he prevailed over Mexican challenger, Jorge Arce in three rounds at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Donaire Jr., 30, dominated Arce from the opening bell of their 12 round WBO Super Bantamweight fight, knocking him down three times in the process.
Donaire Jr. and Arce started cautiously as both fighters wait for an opening to connect on each other. The Filipino champion connected with his jabs initially and that opened a space for his uppercut and left hook.
Donaire Jr., dropped Arce in the next round when both fighters exchanged right hands, with the Filipino?s strength prevailing between the two. Arce beat the count and attacked Donaire in the remaining minutes of the round to make up for the knockdown.
Arce continued his aggression in the 3rd only to be down again after taking multiple combos from Donaire Jr. and left hooks to his face.
The proud Mexican warrior stood up again but a single left hook from Donaire placed his opponent for the final time with one second left in the round.
This is Donaire Jr.?s 4th fight and victory this year and a win that can validate his claim for considerations for the much coveted ?Fighter of The Year? honors of 2012.
But more importantly, Donaire Jr. comforted his countrymen with a spectacular win after being devastated by Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao?s defeat last week.
?Definitely,? was Donaire Jr.?s reply to Larry Merchant?s questions if he has heard from Filipino fans after Pacquiao?s defeat last week.
?There was lot of fans that you know, you?ve got to get him, and you?ve got to get him. This is for the Philippines. And it?s true but I love Mexico as well. Mexican fighters are tough and I have the best respect for all of them,? stated the victorious champ.
Nonito Donaire Jr. may want to deflect that question but there is no denying that Filipino boxing fans all over the world are now breathing a needed sigh of relief after his victory.
?Yehey, bumawi ang Pinoy.? (Yehey, we Filipinos bounced back.) mentioned Liza Pangilinan from Bulacan and ?Yahoo, Donaire made it.? commented Dang Osmillo, a Filipina nurse from Saudi Arabia.
?What a relief. Thank God,? stated Mon Ualat of New Jersey and ?Bawi!? (We bounced back!) mentioned Ilocana Maricar Tangonan of New York after the fight.
?He knew what this fight meant to us. Thanks Nonito, take the torch and hold it high. Mabuhay ka! (Long live Nonito)," expressed Michael Famularcano, a doctor from West Virginia.
?To all the Pinoys all over the world, Salamat (Thank you) and God bless! I hope I lifted your spirits through these times of trials and wish blessing and happiness this Christmas. Mabuhay Pilipinas! (Long live the Philippines)," stated Donaire Jr. in his Facebook page after the fight.
It won't be a sad December after all for Filipino boxing fans.
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