Donaire seizes WBA world bantamweight title
NONITO “The Filipino Flash” Donaire captured the World Boxing Association “super” world bantamweight title after stopping erstwhile champion Ryan Burnett of Great Britain in the fifth round of their World Boxing Super Series clash early Sunday morning (Manila time) in Glasgow, Scotland.
Mr. Burnett suffered a back injury in the fourth round and was ruled unable to go in the fifth to hand the championship belt to the Filipino fighter.
The British fighter had early control of the contest but took a knee in the fourth round after seemingly pulling a muscle in his back following a punch he threw at Mr. Donaire.
Mr. Burnett was eventually able to finish the round but could not make a go after it, forcing him to surrender his belt.
The victory was a bounce back for 35-year-old Donaire (39-5), who lost in his previous fight against Mr. Burnett’s compatriot Carl Frampton in April by way of unanimous decision.
Mr. Donaire, with the win, also advanced to the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament where he is set to face World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Zolani Tete.
After his latest win, Mr. Donaire, a multiple-division world champion, thanked his supporters while also expressing hope for the fast recovery of Mr. Burnett, who saw his threefight winning streak come to an end and his reign as champion halted after three title defenses. —