Nonito Donaire Jr. lost on Saturday night his WBO Junior Featherweight belt to Olympian Guillermo Rigondeaux in a 12-round bout at Radio City Music Hall. Despite his loss, the Filipino boxer took home $1.32 million while Rigondeaux got $750,000.

The Cuban boxer ended Donaire's 12-year winning streak of 30 fights. It was his second loss in his professional career. For Rigondeaux it extended his winning streak to 12 fights, although he had 400 amateur fights with 388 win record.

Referees scored the game 114-113, 115-112 and 116-111 in favour of the underdog pugilist.

Analysts initially favoured the Filipino boxer, said to be the next Manny Pacquiao, because of Donaire's longer professional experience over the Cuban boxer who overcame a knockout in the 10th round and controlled the game's pace throughout the fight.

Donaire attributed his loss to his failure to study the fight. "I have much respect for @RigoElChacal305 for the beautiful boxing he gave me," HBOboxing tweeted Donaire's statement after his loss.

In his tweet, Donaire said, I just want to thank God for keeping me safe, my guardian angels for protecting me, my Team for standing behind me, and my fans for their support. I tried to give my all and push the fight but we'll be back. I'll come back and do better. For now, I congratulate Rigondeaux."

Filipinos saw Donaire's loss as another sad day for Philippine boxing after the November defeat of Pacquiao and last week's loss by another Filipino boxing champion, Brian Viloria.

Commenting on Donaire's loss, BBC anchor Rico Hizon tweeted, "The@FilipinoFlash has made his mark in the hearts & minds of people in & out of the boxing ring. A true champion is magnanimous win or lose," which reflects the sentiment of many Filipino boxing enthusiasts.

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