Jessie Magdaleno outclasses Nonito Donaire to win 122-pound title

Nov

Jessie Magdaleno defeated Nonito Donaire by a unanimous decision to take Donaire’s WBO junior featherweight title on the Jessie Vargas-Manny Pacquiao undercard Saturday in Las Vegas.

Donaire (37-4, 24 knockouts) stalked Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) for most of the fight but it was the challenger who got his punches off first and with more regularity. That accounted for the scores: 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110, all for the new titleholder. THE RING scored it 117-111 for Magdaleno.

Magdaleno was the more dynamic and faster fighter from the opening bell. The Mexican consistently landed quick, eye-catching shots to win rounds. Donaire, a sluggish 33, had his moments but had difficultly finding the target and did little damage when he did in spite of his renowned power.

The now-former champ attacked with abandon in the 12th round in an attempt to pull out a victory but couldn’t land that one big shot.

The punch stats were close: Magdaleno landed 154 of 500 punches, Donaire 132 of 404.

Donaire was making the second defense of his 122-pound title, which he won by outpointing Cesar Juarez in December. He stopped Zsolt Bedak in three rounds in his first defense, in April.

Magdaleno, 24, was fighting for a major title for the first time.