Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) / International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE, JR. and World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion STEVEN LUEVANO return to the top of the marquee to headline “Pinoy Power 2” –the world championship extravaganza taking place Saturday, August 15 (August 16 in the Philippines), in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. “Pinoy Power 2,” Top Rank’s newest boxing series, will also feature undefeated Cuban heavyweight sensation ODLANIER SOLIS and Filipino junior welterweight contender MARK “MJM Grand” MELLIGUEN in separate exciting10-round all-action brawls.
Donaire has vacated his title to challenge former world champion RAFAEL “El Torito” CONCEPCION for the World Boxing Association interim super flyweight championship. A native of General Santos City, Philippines, who now lives in San Leandro, Calif., Donaire (21-1, 14 KOs), captured his world title the old-fashioned way – he earned It – by knocking out undefeated defending champion Vic Darchinyan in 2007. It remains the only defeat for Darchinyan, who now campaigns as the World Super Flyweight Champion. The vintage punch, a left hook to Darchinyan’s jaw, was named “Pinoy Noir” by Donaire, for its “silky smooth delivery and long and powerful finish.” After successfully defending his title three times – all by knockout — Donaire concluded it was time to move up in search of new worlds to conquer.
Concepcion (13-3-1, 8 KOs), from Panama City, Panama, will be making his Las Vegas debut when he tries to reclaim the title he previously held. He enters this fight having won 10 or his past 11 fights, including the WBA interim super flyweight title, knocking out previously undefeated Alex Banal in the 10th round last July. He lost the title in his first defense, to the incomparable Jorge Arce. He enters this fight world-rated No. 3 by the WBA, No. 4, by the WBO and No. 8 by the World Boxing Council, with four of his last five victories coming by knockout.
Luevano will be defending his title against the WBO’s No. 1 contender and mandatory featherweight challenger BERNABE CONCEPCION. A native of East Los Angeles, Luevano (36-1-1, 15 KOs), of LaPuente, Calif., captured the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2007, knocking out undefeated top-rated contender Nicky Cook in London. He has successfully defended his title four times during his two-year reign, against a roster of opponents who had a combined record of 93-6 (56 KOs) – a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 60%.
Concepcion (29-1-1, 17 KOs), of Rizal, Philippines, enters his first world championship fight riding a four-year, 22-bout unbeaten streak. Impressive victories over Benjamin Flores, Gabriel Elizondo, Adam Carrera and Sande Otieno, while collecting WBC International and NABF titles, has vaulted this Filipino firecracker with two-fisted power into a mandatory title challenge.
Solis (14-0, 10 KOs), of Miami, Fla., enters this fight with five of his last six victories coming by way of by knockout. The three-time World Amateur Champion and 2004 Olympic heavyweight gold medalist boasts two victories over fellow countryman Felix Savón. Solis defected from his native Cuba in December 2006 making his pro debut in April 2007. He captured the WBC International heavyweight title last October, knocking out Chauncy Welliver in the ninth round, ending his three-year, 17-bout unbeaten streak. He successfully defended his title in January, knocking out Kevin Burnett in the eighth round. Solis is currently world-rated No. 8 by the WBC.
Melliguen (15-1, 11 KOs), of Bohol, Philippines, is riding a two-year, nine-bout winning streak, which includes capturing the Philippines junior welterweight title and two successful title defenses. A recent power surge has produced four knockout victories in his last fight bouts. He has fought three times this year with only one opponent lasting the distance.
Watch it LIVE on pay-per-view! August 16, 2009, Sunday at 8 am.
