MANILA, Philippines — Mexican Fernando Montiel admitted to Top Rank publicist Ricardo Jimenez that he committed a grave mistake when he fought rising Filipino star Nonito Donaire last Saturday in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. His mistake, according to Jimenez, was when he tried to lunge in on Donaire at ring center that left him wide open for a counter shot.
He paid dearly for it as Donaire unleashed a thunderous left that flattened Montiel in the second round of their bantamweight bout.
Although Montiel miraculously stood up on shaky legs, Donaire immediately went in for the kill and after he landed a one-two, the third man on the ring stepped in.
Montiel is now doing fine, according to Jimenez yesterday.
“He’s doing good now,” said Jimenez, citing that the follow-up checkup can be done in Mexico.
Jimenez said Montiel was brought to the hospital after the second-round knockout loss at Mandalay Bay for precautionary measures and it was learned that he had suffered a slightly fractured jaw.
Doctors allowed Montiel to be released after a brain scan and a few other tests were done and was told to consult with his doctor once he arrives in his hometown of Los Mochis in Mexico.
As planned, Montiel and family will remain in Las Vegas for two more days before before heading back to Mexico.
Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin
