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...

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...

Light heavyweights, 12 rounds
Kelly Pavlik: 169 lb
Bernard Hopkins: 170 lb More...

Lee Samuels: We’re here with the champ, the world middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. He’s in Youngstown with his trainer Jack Loew. They’re both here on the call and we’re talking about the big fight with - against Bernard Hopkins, October 18, Atlantic City Convention Hall. It’s called “Unstoppable.” It’s live on HBO Pay-Per-View. And Kelly’s been training very, very hard for this event which he’ll talk about. At this time Hall of Fame promoter, Bob Arum. Bob?

Bob Arum: Thank you Lee and everybody welcome to the call. After we finish here we’re going to turn you over to Kelly Swanson for the Hopkins conference call. Kelly and Jack are in Youngstown, Ohio finishing up training. As always Kelly has trained at a fearsome pace. We’re very proud of Kelly because when he comes into the ring he comes in 100% and gives 150%. So without further ado I’d like to turn you over to Kelly Pavlik to say a few words and then his trainer Jack Loew. Okay Kelly. More...

Back in action October 18, 2008 is Philadelphia tough kid, Danny "Swift" Garcia as he showcases his skills on the Bernard Hopkins vs Kelly Pavlik card televised live on HBO PPV.

The young 20 year old undefeated prospect will enter the ring with a perfect record of 7-0 (6). In his last fight, Garcia stopped Tyrone Wiggins with a stiff body blow, followed by a two devastating left hooks to the head, forcing the referee to stop the bout at 1:04 of the first round. More...

Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall is three weeks away from “Unstoppable”, the light heavyweight rumble between undefeated world middleweight champion Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik and legendary two-division world champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, yet fight fans who are eagerly anticipating the showdown have more reason to want October 18 to get here quickly as an undercard packed with talent is planned for the show. More...