Nonito Donaire continues to defy father time.
In an Idol versus Fan world title bout, the 39-year-old Donaire successfully defended his World Boxing Council World Bantamweight Championship, stopping younger compatriot Reymart Gaballo, Sunday afternoon (Manila time) in Carson, California.
After peppering Gaballo with right hooks to start the fourth round, Donaire threw a vicious right hand to the body that opened his opponent up. A left hook followed by another telling blow put an end to the bout.
“I thought he was going to get up because I know he has a lot of heart, but that was a tremendous punch that landed,” said Donaire.
Gaballo showed promise early, throwing power shots which Donaire gladly absorbed. But once he got his feet wet, it was all Donaire in the second and third rounds.
“I just told him after the fight not to be down because he’s a great fighter,” said Donaire. “I had trouble figuring him out and I’m here to help him with anything he needs the rest of his career.”
Gaballo was the busier fighter, throwing 170 punches compared to 136 by Donaire.
Donaire improved to 42-6, 28 KOs while dropping Gaballo to 24-1, 20 KOs.
Asked who he wants next? Well, Donaire has his eyes on one man.
“It’s my team’s job to work on the rematch with Nayao Inoue. I believe my team is going to make it happen.”
