Donaire hopes KO victory over Arce lifted Filipinos’ spirits

Nonito Donaire, center, celebrates as referee Laurence Cole, right, holds up his arm after beating Jorge Arce in their WBO junior featherweight title boxing match Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Houston. Donaire knocked Arce out in the third round. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

MANILA, Philippines — Boxing champion Nonito “the Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. gave his countrymen something to cheer about Sunday morning (Manila time).

Donaire finished off Jorge Arce in a flash — using a splendid left hook which sent the Mexican boxer crashing to the canvas for the knockout win, just a second before the end of the third round.

“To all the Pinoys all over the world, Salamat and God bless,” tweeted Donaire (@filipinoflash), minutes after his victory.

“I hope I lifted your spirits thru these times of trials and wish blessing and Happiness this Christmas. Mabuhay Pilipinas,” he added.

The wrath of typhoon “Pablo,” which left hundreds dead and missing, has the Philippines reeling for the last two weeks.

The victory was also like a breath of fresh air for the Filipino sports fans alike, after a week full of setbacks.

It has been exactly a week after boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s stunning setback to another Mexican, Juan Manuel Marquez — a knockout that rocked the world of boxing.

The Philippine men’s national team also failed to get a crack at the finals of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, losing to Singapore in the home-and-away semifinals on Wednesday.

At least Donaire managed to keep a personal win streak going — his 30th straight in a span of 11 years, and his fourth victory of the year.