A week after Manny Pacquiao's shocking knockout at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez, the Philippine boxing world made a comeback via Nonito Donaire’s win over Mexican Jorge Arce on December 15 (December 16 in the Philippines), successfully defending his World Boxing Organization super-bantamweight title for the third time.

According to an article on Spin.ph, Donaire had knocked out Arce in the third round of their bout with a strong left punch that sent the Mexican boxer crashing to the floor right before the bell rang.

“My left hook was the damaging punch. I worked perfectly on it,” the 30-year-old boxing champion said. “I hope I made the Philippines proud tonight,” he added.

Arce, who is good friends with Donaire, later announced his retirement after the fight. “My career is over. He is the best man,” he was quoted as saying in an article on ESPN.com. “I have a family to take care of. I promised them I would leave the ring if I lost. He's very good. I am proud to have lost to the best. It fills me with honor.”

(Photo courtesy of PEP.ph)