Nonito Donaire scores TKO win over William Prado, ready for title shot
Nonito Donaire made a successful ring return on Saturday night after making short work of Brazilian opponent William Prado in the co-featured bout of Pinoy Pride 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Buoyed by the boisterous hometown crowd, Donaire overwhelmed Prado from the get go before stopping him at the 2:16 mark of the second round.
Article continues after this advertisementIt was his first fight since suffering a sixth-round technical knockout loss to Jamaican Nicholas Walters last year.
The five-division champion showed flashes of his lethal form — connecting on crisp punches and reducing Prado to a punching bag.
“Para sa inyo ito lahat sa mga Pilipino (this win is for every Filipino),” said the 32-year-old Donaire addressing the crowd at the center of the ring.
Article continues after this advertisementDonaire also said his performance was “okay” and felt he still needed to be “more patient.”
After a dominant comeback, Donaire, who added that he’s comfortable back at the 122 pounds, hopes for another title shot this the year.
“Hopefully, I’ll get a chance against whoever,” said Donaire, who was crowned the new NABF super bantamweight champion.
Donaire has his sights set on a possible rematch with the undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux, who beat the “Filipino Flash” two years ago via unanimous decision.