Donaire Conquers Third Boxing Division

NONITO "THE FILIPINO Flash" Donaire (28-1-0, KO 18) ascended to his third career throne on February 4 when he outpointed Wilfredo Velasquez Jr. for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title at Alamodome in San Santonio, Texas (USA). He won by split decision after he knocked down Velasquez in round nine.

Donaire first  became a world champion when he took the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight crown from Vic Darchinyan (28-0-0) on 7 July 2007, also taking with him the International Boxing Organization (IBO) crown.

After defending the titles for three years, Donaire gained dominion of the bantamweight class under World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) when he defeated reigning king Fernando Montiel (44-2-2). He retired Montiel 2 mins. 25 secs. in the second round.

After Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, Donaire is the only Filipino who continues conquering world titles today. He was born in Talibon, Bohol.

Undefeated Maquinto Died of Brain Injury

ONE OF THE MOST tragic event in Philippine boxing visited a very young boxer at a very young stage of his professional career.

Undefeated flyweight Karlo Maquinto (8-0-1, KO 6) succumbed to death of swollen brain and a blood clot on the right side of his brain, eight days after he salvage a majority draw in a four-round bout against fellow Filipino Mark Joseph Costa on January 28 in a venue in northern Manila.

Although born in Lambonao (Iloilo) on 8 July 1990, Maquinto has resided in Baguio City (Benguet).

Maquinto died at the Far Eastern University Hospital at age 21.

Farewell, young warrior!