Donaire blows out Bedak in 3 rounds

CEBU, Philippines – Nonito Donaire Jr did what was expected of him in the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight championship, knocking Hungarian contender Zsolt Bedak to the canvas 3 times en route to a third round technical knockout victory Saturday, April 23, at Cebu City Sports Center in the Philippines.

Referee Russell Mora stopped the fight at the 2:44 mark, sparing the bloodied Bedak any further punishment.

Donaire (37-3, 24 knockouts) was too quick for Bedak (25-2, 8 KOs), landing sharp counters in an instant whenever Bedak became brave and led with a punch. Donaire scored two knockdowns in round two, both on counter left hooks, in a round which Bedak only survived due to the bell.

(READ: Magsayo rises off canvas to stop Avalos in war)

The damage was already done, however, and a left uppercut followed by a right hand served as the coup de grace.

It was only the second time that the native from Talibon, Bohol has defended a world title in the Philippines, following his 2009 blowout of Raul Martinez at Araneta Coliseum for the IBF flyweight title.

Official attendance numbers weren’t announced but are estimated between 20,000-25,000 at the outdoor venue. – Rappler.com