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By: William Holmes
Prior to the start of the Nonito Donaire and Jorce Arce fight, HBO showed a replay of the already legendary Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez fight last Saturday. Tonight was another Philippines vs. Mexico matchup, as the Filipino flash Nonito Donaire (30-1) took on the Mexican standout Jorge Arce (60-6-2) in Houston, Texas at the Toyota Center.
Photo: Chris Farina/Top Rank
Jorge Arce was the first to enter the ring and was greeted by cheers from the Mexican contingent in the crowd. Nonito Donaire was booed when he first showed up on the big screen in the Toyota Center, and he was booed as he made his way into the ring. The Houston crowd was strongly in the corner of Jorge Arce.
Tonight was also the last time Larry Merchant would be a member of the HBO broadcast team.
Both fights started off round one slowly and cautious, but it was clear that Nonito Donaire had the quicker hands. In round two the crowd began chanting “Mexico, Mexico” but Donaire quickly quieted the crowd with a left hook right cross combination that forced Arce to touch the canvas with his glove.
Donaire continued his assault on Arce in the third round. Donaire touched Arce with a two punch combination and Arce tapped his chin and asked Donaire to come forward and bring his best. Arce connected with a sold left hook to the head of Donaire, but Donaire followed it up with an overhand right that stunned Arce and sent him reeling backwards looking for cover. Donaire landed another combination and Arce was knocked down. Arce was able to beat the count of ten but Donaire did not let him stay on his feet for long. He connected with a beautiful lead left hook to Arce’s chin and Arce was knocked down. He spit out his mouthpiece when the referee began counting and the fight was called off.
Nonito Donaire defeated Jorge Arce by a third round knockout at 2:59.
Afterwards, Nonito Donaire was asked if he wanted Mares or Rigondeaux next, and he responded that he wants Mares before Rigondeaux because Mares has been calling him out.
Arce also announced his retirement inside the ring after his crushing knockout defeat.
