Donaire declares that the world title is not "as I want it"

Still not done. Nonito Donaire wins his seventh world title. Photo of Alvin S. Go / Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – It was not exactly the way Nonito Donaire wanted to end his fight against the Irishman Ryan Burnett, but the Filipino Flash ended up rejoicing to become world champion again.

Burnett was injured on the back and could not get up from his stool in the 4th round. He handed over his leanweight crown from the World Boxing Association to Donaire on Saturday, Nov. 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

In addition to winning his seventh world title, the four-division champion qualifies for the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series against World Boxing World Champion Zolani Tete of South Africa.

After throwing a straight straight 50 seconds before the end of the match, Burnett collapsed on his knee, grabbed his back straight, beat the count, and then lost a series of punches from Donaire to return to his corner.

Still wounded, Burnett was energized out of the SSE Hydro Arena under oxygen with a desperate Donaire, now aged 38 to 5 with 25 knockouts, holding the strings of the fallen champion.

Donaire, who turned 36 on November 16, congratulated his 26-year-old opponent who lost for the first time after 19 wins, including 9 by knockout.

"It's not the way I want to win, but a win is a win," said Donaire, who called Burnett an incredible fighter. "He was fast, strong and got me with good shots."

The first three rounds were tight, the two fighters exchanging violent blows.

It was Donaire's first fight as a lean weight in 7 years. He had lost 8 pounds when he lost by decision against another Irishman, Carl Frampton, on April 21st.

Donaire then tweeted: "First of all, I want to thank God and my Archangels for all that they have presented to me tonight.Then I would like to send healing prayers. to Ryan Burnett and thank him for sharing the ring with me.I know he'll heal and be back in the ring soon! "

First of all, I want to thank God and my Archangels for all that they have presented to me tonight. Then I would like to send healing prayers to Ryan Burnett and thank him for sharing the ring with me. I know he's going to heal and be back in the ring soon! pic.twitter.com/cJoOulLnVW

– Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) November 3, 2018

Although Burnett's injury occurred in the 4th, it was probably triggered by a bad left hook by Donaire towards the end of the 3rd round.

According to BBC.com, Burnett complained to his coach, Adam Booth, that he could not move and "can not shoot" during the break.

Burnett has indeed suffered a back injury after winning a gold medal at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, forcing him to leave the competition for more than a year and delaying him in his career professional until 2012.

For now, Donaire said that he was planning to enjoy Scotland with his wife Rachel and his sons Jarel Michael and Jarel Logan.

A well-deserved treat for a multiple champion. – Rappler.com