By Mark Vester, at ringside
 
Filipino IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. (19-1-1, 12KOs) successfully defended his titles for the first time by stopping tough Mexican Luis Maldonado (37-2-1, 28KOs) in eight rounds at the Foxwood Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Donaire started quick, imposing his will in the first round. In the second, Donaire's right hands were blasting away on Maldonado, turning him into a bloody mess and several cuts opened up on his face. The corner of Maldonado was unable to stop the cuts, and the blood flowed all over the place.

In the fourth, Maldonado began to work his way back in the fight, putting together some punches and trying to battle back. Donaire caught Maldonado with a monster left hook in the seventh-round, sending him down in the final seconds.

In the eight, Donaire went back on the attack with a hard right hand that began the damage as a follow-up barrage immediately prompted the referee to stop the fight and prevent Maldonado from taking further punishment.