‘Pinoy Power 2’

The world's top flyweight is now in the running for that same position at super flyweight after Nonito Donaire handled the jump up to 115 pounds by outboxing Rafael Concepcion last night at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

At stake was the Interim WBA super fly crown, which Concepcion held at one point last year, and the Panamanian made every effort to make Donaire get into the trenches as Concepcion's natural size advantage was maximized after coming in more than four pounds above the super flyweight limit.

Concepcion might not have been able to assume the title even if he won the bout due to the weight overage but Donaire had no such limitation and fought a textbook bout, taking advantage of his edge in experience and quickness to outbox his bigger foe.

The busier style of Concepcion made it close but in the end, the judges favored the accuracy of Donaire, who was awarded a UD via scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. More...

IBF light fly kingpin Nonito Donaire heads up to super flyweight tonight at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, NV, contending for the Interim WBA crown against Panama's Rafael Concepcion.

Donaire, 21-1 (14), is coming off three title defenses of the IBF strap he won by expertly dismantling Aussie bomber Vic Darchinyan two years ago and the Filipino stylist should be able to handle the challenge of Concepcion with equal dexterity.

Concepcion, 13-3 (8), won the Interim WBA super fly title by gunning down previously undefeated AJ Banal a year ago but was stopped in the ninth in his next bout during a slugfest with Mexico's Jorge Arce, losing the interim belt in the process.

The Panama City man regained his footing with an eight rounds points verdict over aging ex-WBO minimumweight boss Kermin Guardia in February but will have to pull off a career best performance if he is to overcome the higher skilled Donaire.

The chief support bout features WBO feather champ Steven Luevano, 36-1-1 (15), meeting the challenge of WBC International beltholder Bernabe Concepcion, 29-1-1 (16), in what should be a good contest.

Rafael Concepcion:"I know Las Vegas and I know there will be Latino fans in the arena rooting for me on Saturday night. There will be Mexican fans for sure on my side. I've trained hard and I will win. Panama fighters do not lose to Filipinos. We're 4-0 in title fights."

Nonito Donaire: "I've seen one video of Concepcion. He has a lot of heart which tells me he can be very dangerous inside the ring. I am going to rely on my speed and power to get through this one. Before I leave the 115 pound division, I want to fight Jorge Arce and Fernando Montiel. Those two are on my mind and it doesn't matter who is first." More...

Super flyweight Nonito Donaire will face Rafael Concepcion for the Interim WBA title on Top Rank's PPV "Pinoy Power 2" on August 15 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Donaire and Top Rank's Carl Moretti fielded questions from the press on a recent conference call.

Carl Moretti: I think you are going to see the emergence of a fighter that has the ability to win titles in multiple weight classes. He moved up from 112 and when you see him in the ring he looks like a big 115-pounder. We don’t eventually. There are some good names like Concepcion and Arce that all make for interesting fights. More...

Former IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. and WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano return to the top of the marquee to headline “Pinoy Power 2”, the world championship extravaganza taking place Saturday, August 15, in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

“Pinoy Power 2,” Top Rank’s newest boxing series, will also feature undefeated Cuban heavyweight sensation Odlanier Solis and Filipino junior welterweight contender Mark “MJM Grand” Melliguen in separate exciting 10-round all-action brawls. More...