Boxing In America: Donaire, Montiel, Morel Win Big In Las Vegas

The Hilton in Las Vegas saw a big night of boxing last night with one world title bout and two interim world clashes on tap.

Super flyweight Nonito Donaire, 23-1 (15), saw his 22 bout win streak continue with an explosive third round KO of Manuel Vargas, 26-5-1 (11), who was coming off a split decision loss for the WBO minimumweight title.

With the victory, Donaire, “The Filipino Flash”, retains the Interim WBA title he won against Rafael Concepcion in August.

Longtime WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel, 40-2-2 (3), won the WBO bantam strap in a big way, knocking out hot prospect Cisco Morales, 14-1 (8), in a single round.

Seven years after holding the WBA flyweight title, Eric Morel, 42-2 (21), returned to prominence with a 12 round split decision over former WBO bantam boss Gerry Penalosa, 54-8-2 (36), to capture the Interim WBO bantam strap.