Nonito Donaire stops Stephon Young in six to advance to the WBSS Bantamweight final
WBA Super Bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire broke down, then finished off late-substitute Stephon Young in six rounds in the first Semifinal of the WBSS Bantamweight tournament in Lafayette, Louisiana. Donaire, known as the “Filipino Flash,” lived up to his reputation, ending matters in sensational fashion.
Young was a late fill-in for WBO Bantamweight Zolani Tete. Tete had to pull out of the bout earlier this week due to a shoulder injury. Understandably, the far less experienced Young began the fight on the back foot, constantly on the move. Donaire patiently stalked behind a tight guard and the jab. There wasn’t much action from either fighter until the end of round three, when the 36-year old Donaire seemed to buzz Young with a straight right-hand to the chin.
Breaking out the uppercuts as well as a body attack, the WBA champ amped up his attack in round four. Young tried to stand his ground in round five, landing a left and a right hook. However, by the end of the round, the 30-year old from St. Louis was showing damage as he was bleeding from the nose.
Showing less movement in the sixth, Young started to sit down and land a few shots on Donaire. However, with 30 seconds to go in the round, Donaire landed with a thunderous left hook that put Young down and out. Young fell flat on his back and was out before he hit the canvas. Referee Mark Nelson called a halt to the contest at the 2:37 seconds of the round.
Donaire was too experienced, strong, and powerful for Nelson, who was fighting on three days notice. The champ now awaits the winner of the May 18th battle between WBA Bantamweight champion and IBF Bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez in the second semifinal of the WBSS Bantweightweight tournament. Asked who he would like to fight between Inoue and Rodriguez, Donaire said he’s hoping for an Inoue victory
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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