By Ponciano C. Melo Jr.
LAS VEGAS – In a thrilling showdown, Mexican fighter Alexandro Santiago secured a unanimous 12-round decision to claim the vacant World Boxing Council bantamweight world title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 27-year-old Santiago achieved the first world title of his career by denying 40-year-old Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire a chance at becoming the oldest reigning champ in the division, leaving former four-division champion in his wake.
The fight began with a competitive edge, as Donaire rocked Santiago with a powerful left hook in the third round.
However, as the bout progressed, Santiago’s relentless pace proved too much for the Filipino-American veteran. Santiago landed a barrage of convincing blows in the ninth round, effectively halting Donaire’s momentum when he tried to deliver a decisive blow.
The judges’ scorecards unanimously favored Santiago, with one judge scoring the bout 115-113 and the other two at 116-112. With this victory, Santiago’s record improved to an impressive 28-3 with five draws and 14 knockouts.
After the bout, Santiago expressed his honor in facing a legend like Nonito Donaire, and the two shared a touching moment in the ring. Donaire, despite the disappointment, remained positive, stating his love for the sport and his desire to continue.
It was evident that time has caught up with Donaire, as the Mexican fighter outworked the former champion throughout the match.
Although Donaire had his moments, including a powerful left hook that rocked Santiago in the third round, Santiago proved resilient and dominated the fight with his consistent combinations.
The victory solidifies Alexandro Santiago’s status as a rising star in the bantamweight division, while Nonito Donaire’s remarkable career takes a new turn.
As the boxing world continues to buzz with excitement over the welterweight unification bout between Errol Spence and Terence Crawford, Santiago’s triumph adds to the night’s intrigue and showcases the sport’s constant evolution.
In a sport that embraces both legends and new talents, the rise of Alexandro Santiago shines a spotlight on the future of boxing, leaving fans eager for more electrifying matchups and unforgettable moments in the ring.