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Nonito Donaire proved his worth to be the crowned as the new WBO/IBF unified super bantamweight champion after he defeated Jeffrey Mathebula of South Africa.
Though Mathebula has the height advantage over the “Filipino Flash”, the South African boxer never had the chance to overpower the speed and strength of Donaire as they Filipino Flash executed continuous solid straight punches and uppercuts throughout the match.
In Round 4, Mathebula was knocked down after getting destroyed by Donaire’s solid left hook, however, he managed to survive the ring after the bell rang.
According to the score cards, Donaire got 117-110, 118-109 and 119-108 points and declared to be the victor of the match via unanimous decision.
Donaire, who was recently rated by The Ring as the No. 4 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, wore his Bruce Lee-inspired boots during the match, which he got the concept from the martial arts legend film, “Game of Death.”
He previously stated that he needs to get an impressive win against Mathebula to erase all doubts as to his luckluster performances in his last two outings and become a “unified champion” and a solid contender in the 122-pound division.
Aside from the “Filipino Flash”, super bantamweights such as Guillermo Rigondeaux, Toshiaki Nishioka, Abner Mares and Jorge Arce desire to get the said title and have a shot at Donaire.
Donaire’s manager Cameron Dunkin earlier announced that the Filipino Flash will be getting $750,000 or P31.5 million worth of prizes in the match.
(Photo credit: www.yahoo.com.ph)
