IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. made a ruthless display of power in the first defense of his titles, punishing Mexico’s Luis Maldonado en route to an eighth-round technical knockout victory Saturday at the Foxwood Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Referee Charles Dwyer called for a halt at 1:16 of the eighth round, saving the bloody Maldonado from further beating in the scheduled 12-rounder.

The 25-year-old Donaire had dropped Maldonado with a devastating left hook only 10 seconds left in the seventh round.
Donaire, who claimed the two titles with a five-round stoppage of Armenian Vic Darchinyan in July also in Connecticut, improved to 19-1-1 with 12 KOs while Mexican Luis Maldonado suffered his second defeat for a 37-2-1 (28 KOs) record.

Donaire again staggered Maldonado with severe right straights then floored the Mexican with a left hook towards the end of the round. Maldonado, though wobbly, rose up quickly but it was already clear what would happen next.

Maldonado was checked by the ring physician in between rounds but was still cleared by the doctor to continue, something that turned out to be humiliating for the Mexican as Donaire battered his challenger with a good number of left hooks and right straights.

One more vicious left uppercut connected by Donaire forced referee Dave Dwyer to finally call a halt to the brutal assault at 1:16 of the 8th round.

"I was having some problems with my legs but I was OK the whole time. I’m really thankful I had a great training camp in Cebu," said Donaire.

Donaire and his father/trainer Nonito Sr. trained for about a month at the ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu where he sparred with RP flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes, flyweight contender Louie Bantigue and RP bantamweight boss Michael Domingo.

"I had great sparring partners and sessions in Cebu. Something that is a bit of problem for us here in the US," related Donaire. "It is something that we will probably do for upcoming fights."

Donaire’s fight was shown in several giant screens at the Araneta Coliseum, site of the highly-successful Payback boxing card where Filipinos Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista and teen prospect AJ "Bazooka" Banal scored impressive victories against their Mexican foes.

Through a wireless phone connected to a public address system inside the coliseum, Donaire thanked all the Filipino fans and his avid supporters.

"Thank you guys for supporting me and I hope you keep on supporting us as well as Boom Boom and AJ, who will be fighting moments from now," said Donaire, who was moved by the overwhelming applause he got while the fans watched the fight at the Big Dome.

Donaire is often mentioned as a possible foe for established superstars Jorge Arce, a two-time world champion, and WBC super flyweight champ Christian Mijares.