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By Jake Donovan - Nonito Donaire is once again in possession of a super bantamweight title, but had to work harder than ever before in a fight he declared a must-win scenario.
Win he did, as Donaire outlasted a relentless Cesar Juarez in their savage 12-round war Friday evening at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Scores were 116-110 (twice) and 117-109 in favor of Donaire, who is now a two-time super bantamweight champ. A pair of 4th round knockdowns paved the way for the win, but the 33-year old Fil-Am star had to overcome cuts, injuries and strong second half surge from Juarez to prevail.
The packed crowd of 8,133 was there largely to support local favorite Felix Verdejo, who fought – and won – in the main event, but it was the co-feature that boxing fans will remember at least through the end of the year when the best fights of 2015 are being discussed.
It didn’t start out that way, though. For five-plus rounds, Donaire did everything he expected to do in a bout he was heavily favored to win. Juarez looked every bit the massive underdog he was perceived to be, as he was beaten to the punch and taking punishment to the point where it seemed like a matter of time before the fight would be stopped. [Click Here To Read More]
Win he did, as Donaire outlasted a relentless Cesar Juarez in their savage 12-round war Friday evening at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Scores were 116-110 (twice) and 117-109 in favor of Donaire, who is now a two-time super bantamweight champ. A pair of 4th round knockdowns paved the way for the win, but the 33-year old Fil-Am star had to overcome cuts, injuries and strong second half surge from Juarez to prevail.
The packed crowd of 8,133 was there largely to support local favorite Felix Verdejo, who fought – and won – in the main event, but it was the co-feature that boxing fans will remember at least through the end of the year when the best fights of 2015 are being discussed.
It didn’t start out that way, though. For five-plus rounds, Donaire did everything he expected to do in a bout he was heavily favored to win. Juarez looked every bit the massive underdog he was perceived to be, as he was beaten to the punch and taking punishment to the point where it seemed like a matter of time before the fight would be stopped. [Click Here To Read More]
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