MANILA, Philippines - Nonito Donaire Jr has returned to the Philippines a champion.
The Bohol native arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, December 17 with his wife Rachel, their two children and in-laws, less than a week after his life-and-death struggle with Cesar Juarez in Puerto Rico to win the WBO junior featherweight title.
Donaire, a 4-time champion, is now one of only two current Filipino world champions, joining WBO junior flyweight champ Donnie Nietes of Negros Occidental.
Donaire scored two knockdowns of Juarez early in the fight before twisting his ankle on an awkward slip. He overcame a desperate challenge from the Mexican underdog to win by comfortable margins on the scorecards.
The win is vindication for the 2012 Fighter of the Year, who has struggled with losses to Guillermo Rigondeaux and Nicholas Walters in recent years.
– Rappler.com