Las Vegas: Filipino fighter Nonito Donaire earned a 12-round unanimous decision over Panama's Rafael Concepcion on Saturday to win the World Boxing Association interim super flyweight title.

Donaire, who vacated his International Boxing Federation flyweight title to move up in weight, improved to 22-1 with his 21st straight victory.

"I'm here to give honour to my country," Donaire said. "We are great fighters. I came here to represent and fight with all of my heart."

Ringside judges saw it 117-111, 115-113 and 116-112 for the 26-year-old Filipino, who opened a cut under Concepcion's left eye in the second round with his punishing jab.

Donaire nearly sent Concepcion to the canvas with a flurry of blows to end the third round.

"The cut really bothered me in the first few rounds, but I got used to it," said Concepcion, who fell to 13-4-1.

Concepcion had weighed in four pounds over the limit. "Those extra pounds were definitely a disadvantage," Donaire said. "But I am a warrior. I would have still fought if he was 20 pounds over weight. If he didn't have the extra weight, I would have knocked him out in the beginning.''