ALEJANDRO SANTIAGO OUTPOINTS NONITO DONAIRE, WINS VACANT WBC BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE

By Francisco Salazar

LAS VEGAS – Alexandro Santiago was finally able to fulfill his dream of winning a world title belt on the undercard of the anticipated Errol Spence-Terence Crawford showdown.

Santiago outboxed and outlanded Nonito Donaire, winning by unanimous decision Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena. Scores were 116-112, 116-112, and 115-113 for Santiago, who improved to 28-3-5, 14 knockouts. He also won the vacant WBC world bantamweight title.

After a feeling-out opening round, both fighters began to let their hands go during the second round.

About midway through the third round, a check hook from Donaire momentarily staggered Santiago. This was after Santiago backed Donaire up against the ropes, where he ripped combinations to the head and body. MORE