Nonito Donaire
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.
It 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.
Donaire 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.