Donaire makes good on prediction, floors Montiel in second
Nonito Donaire called his shot.
The Filipino star said he would knock out Fernando Montiel on Saturday night at Mandalay Bay Events Center and wouldn’t need 12 rounds to do it.
Donaire unleashed a vicious left hook to the chin that floored the 31-year-old Mexican legend two minutes into the second round. Montiel returned to his feet, but referee Russell Mora stopped the bout moments later as Donaire took Montiel’s WBC and WBO bantamweight titles.
“I told (trainer) Robert Garcia before Christmas this fight would end in the second round,” the 28-year-old Donaire (26-1, 18 knockouts) said. “I had a premonition.”
A 4-1 betting favorite, Donaire dominated from the outset. He rocked Montiel (44-3-2, 34 KOs) in the opening seconds with a left hook to the body, and Montiel appeared hurt. Donaire landed two more tremendous body shots with the left hook as Montiel seemed stiff.
But that was merely a prelude to what happened in Round 2.
Donaire continued his assault. He unleashed a huge punch to Montiel’s chin, followed by a short right hand that sent him to the blue canvas.
Montiel went down as if he had been shot. His legs were twitching as Donaire jumped up and down in triumph in a neutral corner while the crowd of 4,805 roared.
Somehow, Montiel beat the 10 count. He got up and tried to continue, but Donaire swarmed him. Mora stopped the fight at the 2:25 mark after it was clear Montiel no longer could defend himself.
“I looked down and saw his legs were twitching, and I knew it was over,” Donaire said. “But he is such a competitor, and I have so much respect for him. A lot of guys wouldn’t have gotten up.”
Montiel was taken to University Medical Center to have a precautionary CT scan. Before leaving Mandalay Bay, he gave credit to Donaire for the spectacular knockdown.
“I knew we both had the punching power to knock each other out,” Montiel said. “I made the first mistake, and I paid for it.”
Donaire said his training for speed and power paid off as both traits clearly were evident.
“I needed to be strong,” Donaire said. “But the speed was the key. The openings were there for me. I knew where he was all the time.”
Garcia praised Donaire for staying within himself and not getting overanxious. “He followed the game plan perfectly,” Garcia said. “He took his time, and when he saw his opening, he went for it.”
Having won a world title in his third weight class, Donaire said he’d like to unify the bantamweight titles. If that’s not attainable, he said he’s prepared to move on to 122 pounds or 126, which is what he weighed when he entered the ring Saturday after making the 118-pound limit at Friday’s weigh-in. Montiel weighed 134 pounds Saturday.
“I want to be undisputed in my weight class,” Donaire said. “Otherwise, I’ll put my trust in (manager) Cameron Dunkin to move up to 122 or 126.”
As he prepared to leave Mandalay Bay to celebrate, Donaire paid homage to his countryman, Manny Pacquiao.
“I believe Pacquiao has given me this opportunity,” Donaire said. “I don’t mind being No. 2. I have the utmost respect for Manny Pacquiao.”
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or at 702-387-2913.