Boxing fans all over the world eagerly awaited the return of Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire to the ring. However, the highly anticipated comeback did not go as planned for the former world champion. Donaire suffered a defeat at the hands of Alexandro Santiago in their battle for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight title.
The bout took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 30, Manila time. Donaire, also known as The Filipino Flash, was outboxed by the Mexican Santiago, resulting in a unanimous decision loss. The judges scored the fight 115-113, 116-112, 116-112 in favor of Santiago.
This defeat marked the first time Donaire has lost back-to-back fights since he turned professional in 2001. With a win-loss record of 42-8, Donaire expressed his disappointment but remains determined to continue his boxing career. I will continue because I love the sport so much, he said in a post-fight interview.
Donaire, however, acknowledged that there were some issues with his performance. There were some things that just didn’t trigger. I didn’t pull the trigger, and that was my biggest problem, he admitted. Despite his age, Donaire dismissed the idea that it was a factor in his loss, saying, I say hell no to that.
Santiago, who stands at 5 feet 2 inches, used his youth and speed to his advantage against the 40-year-old Donaire, who is 5 feet 7 inches tall. The Mexican fighter’s relentless work rate and quick movement impressed the judges, earning him the first world title of his career. Santiago threw an average of 51 punches per round, compared to Donaire’s 41.
Although Donaire and Santiago both landed 130 punches in the fight, Santiago edged ahead in the power punches category with a score of 62-53. However, Donaire did win the jab department, landing 77 jabs compared to Santiago’s 68. In terms of total punches thrown, Donaire threw 495 while Santiago threw 605.
Despite briefly gaining the upper hand in the third round and opening a cut above Santiago’s right eye, Donaire was unable to maintain his momentum. Santiago soon regained control and dictated the pace for the rest of the fight.
The defeat is undoubtedly a setback for Donaire, but the Filipino boxer remains determined to continue his career in the sport. It is clear that he still has the passion and desire to compete at the highest level. Donaire’s resilience and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly be tested as he plots his path forward in the aftermath of this loss. Boxing fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see how The Filipino Flash bounces back from this setback.
