‘The Filipino Flash’ now WBA Super World Bantamweight Champion

“To my fans, thank you for your unwavering support and love. Back to the school of boxing when we get back home…but for now I’m going to spend time with my boys and family in wonderful Scotland. God Bless everyone and good night.” (Photo: @nonitodonaire/Instagram)

It was an unforgettable night for the Philippine boxing community as Nonito Donaire dethroned the undefeated Ryan Burnett for the title of World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World bantamweight champion. “The Filipino Flash” knocked out Burnett in five rounds during the event that happened at the SSE Hydro in Glasglow, Scotland last Sunday, November 4.

Donaire was pegged as the underdog due to his record of 39-5, 25 knockouts (KOs) as compared to Burnett’s 19-1, with nine KOs. However, during the fourth round, the audience witnessed Burnett taking a knee and clutching onto his back signalling a pulled muscle. As soon as Burnett got back on his knees, Donaire gave a striking right hand to his opponent’s injury debilitating him from fighting back. Reacting to the situation, Donaire shared, “I didn’t know what was going on. When he got up, I went straight in, I wasn’t going to stop. It’s possible he got hurt with a body shot in the previous round. Starting the fourth, I fought differently. He couldn’t catch me.” When it came to his edge, he reported: “You can’t fabricate power.” 

About the fight, Donaire shared, “A win is a win and it wasn’t the way I would like to win but he’s an amazing fighter. He was fast, strong, and caught me with some good punches. I came into this fight as the bigger guy and my coaches snapped me out of it and told me to box.” He added that he “would like to send prayers of healing to Ryan Burnett and thank him for sharing the ring,” saying, “I told Ryan he’s a great fighter, not to take it as a loss. I know he’ll heal up and be back in the ring soon.”

The last time Donaire reigned victorious in the bantamweight division was seven years ago. Now, at age 35 defeating his 26-year-old opponent from Northern Ireland, he has one message. Triumphant, he stated, “Age ain’t nothing but a number.”