Donaire destroys Lopez in 1!

By Dennis Principe

01.07 - IF you think world superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao is by far the only boxer from the Philippines who is carving a niche in the United States, well think again.

FILIPINO-American Nonito “Flash” Donaire, Jr. made a dazzling performance over the weekend by knocking out American Jorge Lopez in just a single round of their 8-round non-title fight held at the Mare Island Sports Center in Vallejo, California.

According to Donaire’s father-trainer Nonito, Sr., the iron-jawed Lopez is a tough fighter trained by legendary ex-world champion Michael “Little Hands of Stone” Carvajal.

But Lopez’ daunting reputation all the more stirred Donaire to whip his foe and this happened a few minutes into the first stanza as the Filipino southpaw ended the fight by connecting a crisp left straight to his opponent’s jaw.

Nonito Jr. (7-1, 5 KO’s) and his older brother Glenn (10-1, 7 KO’s) actually made waves in the US a few years ago after nearly toppling another Fil-Am sensation, Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria

Both Glenn and Nonito, Jr. lost to Viloria by scores of 10-5 and 8-6 respectively in their US Olympic Trials bout last February 12, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. But reports from a Hawaiian newspaper said “more than a few ringsiders thought Nonito beat Viloria.”

The highly-touted Viloria went on to represent the United States in the 2000 Sydney Olympics but faired miserably, losing in his second round match to eventual gold medallist Brahim Asloum of France.

Viloria has since turned professional and to his credit has racked-up 12 straight wins, seven of which by knockout.

On the other hand, the Donaire brothers went back to the country after a few professional fights in the US. The two fought a couple of times here through Boy Cantada’s Fistorama promotions.

Since returning to the US December of last year, the Donaires have been offered lucrative deals by several American promoters.

The elder Donaire said they are is still weighing their options and wants to make sure that their next promotional deal can eventually lead to a match versus Viloria.