Donaire returns, stops foe in second round

Nonito Donaire Jr. is interviewed after his victory Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. AJ BOLANDO

MANILA, Philippines – He’s back.

After a tough loss last year, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is back in full form once again, scoring an impressive victory over William Prado for the IBF intercontinental junior featherweight title.

Donaire was aggressive coming in to the second round, pounding Prado with vicious left blows, enough for the referee to halt the fight at the 2:16 mark. The Fil-Am boxer was very cautious in the first three minutes but still dictated the tempo, leaving his Brazilian foe on the guard.

Donaire dedicated his latest victory for the overseas Filipino workers after realizing how hard it was to be away from his family.

“First of all, maraming salamat sa lahat ng pumunta dito, salamat sa suporta, mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat,” said Donaire, who improved his record to 34 wins with 3 losses.

“I dedicate this victory to the OFWs. One month lang ako nahiwalay sa family ko, alam ko na what they went through. It was his first fight in 122 pounds and he plans to stay in the said weight,” he added.

He added that he needs to iron out some things: “Nanggigil pa rin ako. Kailangan ko pang maging patient.”

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