It was an intriguing Featherweight match up this afternoon featuring Carl “The Jackal” Frampton (25-1, 14 KOs) from Belfast, Ireland facing off with popular Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (38-5, 24 KOs) in title eliminator scheduled for 12 rounds.
The fight took place at the SSE Arena in Belfast giving the 31-year-old former champion the opportunity to perform in his hometown.
Donaire, four years Frampton’s senior and a former champion himself, appeared unaffected by this fact as he ducked between the ropes and bounced confidently while awaiting the opening bell.
The opening stanza was very competitive with both combatants ripping shots to the body and head while the second clearly belonged to Frampton who sent Donaire back to his corner with significant swelling beginning under his left eye.
Frampton began building a considerable lead from this point forward, nullifying Donaire’s four inch reach advantage with intermittent pressure and throwing sharp, straight punches that grew more accurate with each round.
In round seven Frampton had Donaire pinned in the corner, seeking an opportunity to close the show. The wounded Doanire, now cut over the right eye launched an uppercut that buckled the Irishman’s knees momentarily. Frampton remained composed however and banked that round as well.
A flush left hook in Round 10 was the only bright spot for Donaire through the remainder of the fight as “The Jackal” piled on the punches, banking a surplus of points.
The judge’s decision were identical and unanimous in favor of Frampton by the scores of 117-111.
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
