Another Filipino boxing icon experienced defeat that puts a thought to their fellow kababayans, is the reign of Filipino boxers over?
Nonito Donaire Jr. failed to defend his world super bantamweight titles after losing his fight over Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux via a unanimous decision.
Donaire’s defeat came eight days after Brian Villoria lost his flyweight belts via split decision to Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada and four months after Manny Pacquiao lost via a sixth round knockout to another Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.
Known as the “Filipino Flash,” Donaire, the Professional Boxing Writers Association Fighter of the Year for 2012 got his first loss in this match in 30 fights since 2001.
After 12 rounds, the judges scored 114-113, 115-112, 116-111, all in favor of the two-time Olympic gold medalist Rigondeaux, who is now the unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion with a professional record of 12-0, and eight knockouts.
Donaire scored a knockdown at the 10th round with a left punch to Rigondeaux’s face, but it is not enough and failed to sustain his momentum, slowing down in the last two rounds enabling Rigondeaux to hit the Filipino fighter.
Donaire sustained a wound on his right eye early in the 12th round which made him protect it and only made use of his left bout for the rest of the round.
The “Filipino Flash” admittedly said he did not use his jab, only went to his left punch and not going to the body.
He also said that he did not study Rigondeaux’s fights before their match and complained of a shoulder injury.
Donaire who wanted for a rematch, was not shamed by the defeat, still earned $1.32 million for this fight.
Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte expressed Malacanang Palace’s support to the defeated fighter; saying that the support of the Filipino community is still intact and hoped that he will recover from his defeat.
With Donaire’s defeat, only two Filipinos, Johnreil Casimero and Donnie Nietes though little-known in the country, remain as world champions and are expected to defend their respective crowns very soon, while Pacquiao is readied to stage a comeback in September or October this year.
