13 years ago
Nonito Donaire vs Wilfredo Vazquez Jr
Date: 4th February 2012
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, TexasTitle: vacant WBO World Super-bantamweight Title
Promoter: Top Rank
Referee: Rafael Ramos
Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing
Nonito Donaire
(
27
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 121½ lbs
Wilfredo Vazquez Jr
(
21
-
1
-
1
)
Weight: 122 lbs
On February 4, 2012, the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, played host to a clash for the vacant WBO World Super-bantamweight title between Nonito Donaire and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. The bout, promoted by Top Rank and televised on HBO World Championship Boxing, saw Donaire (27-1-0) step up to the 122-pound division for the first time in his career. Vazquez Jr. (21-1-1), the former champion, entered the ring as the slight underdog despite his experience in the weight class.
The fight proved gruelling for Donaire, who was forced to adapt his style to the larger weight class. Despite suffering a hand injury early in the bout, which resulted in visible bleeding, Donaire pressed on, showcasing his resilience and determination. The "Filipino Flash" relied heavily on his speed and movement to outmanoeuvre Vazquez Jr, who showed surprising durability throughout the contest.
As the fight progressed, Donaire's superior boxing skills began to show. He consistently landed cleaner, more effective punches, particularly with his left hook. Vazquez Jr., to his credit, never stopped trying to turn the tide, but he consistently found himself a step behind the more polished Donaire. In the ninth round, Donaire scored the only knockdown of the fight, further cementing his control over the proceedings.
After twelve rounds of intense action, the fight went to the scorecards. Two judges, Levi Martinez and Don Trella, scored the bout 117-110 favour Donaire, while Ruben M. Garcia saw it 115-112 for Vazquez Jr. The split decision victory awarded Donaire his fourth world title in as many weight classes, further solidifying his status as one of the sport's elite performers.
The victory marked another milestone in Donaire's already impressive career. At 29 years old, he had now captured world titles at flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight, and featherweight. This achievement placed him in rarified air among Filipino boxers, second only to the legendary Manny Pacquiao in terms of multi-division world championships.
For Vazquez Jr., the loss was a setback but not a career-ender. His gutsy performance against a fighter of Donaire's calibre proved that he belonged at the world level. The bout served as a testament to both men's skill and heart, providing fans with a memorable contest that lived up to its billing as a world championship affair.
Nonito Donaire vs Wilfredo Vazquez Jr on YouTube
