Nonito Donaire emerged the winner Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, bagging the WBO and WBC Bantamweight title after downing Fernando Montiel in the second round with a technical knock-out. Donaire surged through the first round, stunning Montiel with a sharp left hook followed by more quick blows in the second round. It was a sudden left hook that sent Montiel down, and Donaire was sure that Montiel was not going up.
āI hit him with a left hook, looked down and saw him twitching. I knew the fight was over then,ā Donaire said. Montiel was able to get himself up before the referee finished counting to ten and was able to receive a couple more shots before the referee stopped the fight.
āI needed to be strong but it was the speed that was the key. He left himself open and that gave me the advantage. I was surprised he got up after I landed that flush shot,ā he added. Montiel was immediately taken to the University Medical Center after the bout.
This win puts Donaire on the ranks of the top fighters of the world. He has won 25 consecutive fights, with 18 of his titles won by knock outs. Meanwhile, Montiel drops to 44-32-2 with 34 KOs with this defeat.