A week after the epic fourth fight that saw Manny Pacquiao get knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, boxing fans were treated to a second fight that is represented of both the Philippines and Mexico.
As ESPN’s Dan Rafael would call it boxing’s current best “nationalistic rivalry,” Dec. 15 in Houston marked a classic night for the Philippine side. Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire exacted a small sense of payback against Jorge Arce. In devastating fashion, Donaire retains his junior featherweight world championship thanks to a KO win.
In the process, Donaire also becomes the last opponent of Jorge Arce’s impressive career, as the Mexican warrior and former world champion said he will retire with a career record of 61-7-2, with 46 KOs.
Arce, who happens to be good friends with Donaire, said after the fight, “My career is over. He is the best man… I have a family to take care of. I promised them I would leave the ring if I lost. He’s very good. I am proud to have lost to the best. It fills me with honor.
“I will go home to watch the fighters on TV and to be a commentator.”
This year has been a very busy and productive one for the ‘Flash,’ as Donaire improves to 31-1, with 20 KOs after winning all four of his fights in the year 2012. Donaire had a bevy of tough competition this year, beating Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. in Febuary, breaking Jeffrey Mathebula’s jaw in July to unify two titles, winning by TKO against Japan’s Toshiaki Nishioka in October, and sending Arce into retirement last weekend.
No one this year has had a busier or more impressive workload than Nonito, and the only thing that is standing between him and Fighter of the Year honors is the chance that Marquez’ knockout could end up becoming the difference.
(Photo Credits: Associated Press)
