Donaire Defeats Vazquez, Scores Split Decision Win
By: Adam Millican
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas
Although the scorecards came back split, there was no doubt who won the Donaire vs Vazquez fight tonight at the Alamodome. Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire put on a solid if not spectacular performance against the game but overmatched and outclassed Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.
From the outset Donaire had the clear edge in handspeed and athleticism. He came out the aggressor from the first bell. Donaire utilized his footwork and was throwing good punch output. Vazquez looked a bit flatfooted and was reluctant to let his hands go. Donaire landed some good body shots and left hooks to the head.
In the third, Donaire landed a great lead left hook setup by head movement that hit Vazquez on the temple and sent him stumbling into the ropes.
Vazquez started loosening up and letting his hands go more in the middle rounds. The fifth and sixth were perhaps the best rounds of the fight for Vazquez. He was using his jab well and finding his rhythm.
From the seventh round on Donaire took control of the fight again and would dominate to the final bell, scoring a knockdown in the process in round nine. He landed a left uppercut, left hook combo that sent Vazquez to the canvas at about the 2:30 mark of the ninth. Vazquez beat the count and made it to the bell.
Donaire fought aggressively in the tenth and eleventh, landing good combinations and punching well with both hands. He finished the final round dancing on his toes and potshotting, perhaps looking for one last big punch. The fight ended with both fighters trading blows while Donaire’s back was on the ropes. Ultimately no big shots were landed and Donaire would cruise to victory by scores of 112-115, 117-110, and 117-110, although the fight was nowhere near as close as the first scorecard indicated.
After the bout it was revealed that Donaire’s left hand was bruised and bloodied during the fight, which may have impacted his punching in the later rounds. Interviewed by Larry Merchant he said that guys at the 122 lb weight division were tougher than he thought and he sounded in no hurry to move up again to 126 lbs. Although this performance didn’t result in the knockout that Donaire’s camp had hoped for it represents a very solid performance. Donaire has established himself as one of the best fighters in the 122 lb division.
Photo By: Top Rank
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