Nonito Donaire Beats Vasquez via Split Decision (VIDEO)

Nonito Donaire is the new World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight champion after beating Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. at the Alamodome. Donaire defeated Vasquez via a split decision in this first fight in the super bantamweight division. A knock down by Donaire on Vasquez punctuated his win over the former champion from Puerto Rico.

Despite being a rookie in the super bantamweight division, Nonito Donaire appeared to be the stronger fighter. He was in control of the fight from the start and rocked Vasquez in the third round. However, the Puerto Rican fighter asserted himself in the fifth and sixth round bringing cheers from the Puerto Rican supporters in the jam-packed Alamodome. But Donaire continued with his punches until finally landing an uppercut followed by a left hook in the ninth that knocked down Vasquez.

Despite winning, the ‘Filipino Flash’ said he had a difficult time in the fight, and found the jump in weight class tougher than expected. “I couldn’t find my rhythm and I hurt my hand somewhere between the second and fourth rounds,” he said. “I could only move it a little bit.”

However, he vowed to stay in the super bantamweight division. “I’m definitely staying at 122 (pounds) for awhile,” Donaire said. “I’m not happy with my performance today … We will go back to the drawing board.”

The Filipino fighter thanked his supporters after winning over Vasquez. On Facebook, Nonito Donaire posted the following message: “I wanna thank the fans for all the support. I was really looking for a knockout because he disrespected my country, my people, my guys, and my wife. I did the best I could with what my hand could dish out. But again I wanna thank you guys again for all the support. This isnt just my victory, but all of yours too.” (VIDEO CREDIT: YouTube)

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