Nonito Donaire unanimously outpointed Rafael Concepcion on Saturday to take the WBA interim title in his super flyweight debut.
Donaire, the 26-year-old Filipino who vacated his IBF flyweight title to move up in weight, improved to 22-1 with his 21st consecutive victory. Judge Max De Luca scored the fight 117-111, Duane Ford had it 115-113 and Jerry Roth called it 116-112.
Donaire used a potent jab to open a gash under the left eye of his Panamanian opponent midway through the second round.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Donaire ended the third round with a flurry of punches that nearly knocked down Concepcion, who fought with blood dripping down his face most of the night.
Donaire did show some weaknesses in the middle round, but Donaire was never in danger.
He closed the fight by relying on his jab to control the final two rounds to secure the win.
■JONES V LACY
AP, BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
Roy Jones Jr pummeled Jeff Lacy, stopping the overmatched opponent after the 10th round on Saturday to retain the NABO light heavyweight championship title.
Jones used a left hook to cut Lacy’s right eye in the third round, and both of Lacy’s eyes were swelling by the seventh. Lacy didn’t answer the bell for the 11th round and the referee stopped the bout.
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