?The Filipino Flash? will be tested once again as he tries to get himself back into the rhythm of victory in a clash against Britain?s best featherweight, Carl Frampton in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Let?s look at what this fight on April 6 means for the multi-titled Filipino puncher? Preparation for a graceful exit
Donaire was once an exciting name for avid boxing fans. Having trained in the US while tracing his roots back in the Philippines, Donaire?s travelled lifestyle gave him a huge number of followers.
Since his career breakthrough win against Vic Darchinyan, he was tagged as one of the formidable hard-hitters of the lower-weight divisions. Donaire since then rose to stardom and became a household name especially in Philippine boxing, owing this fame and success to his strong left-hook and fierce counter punching.
The 35-year-old, however, has shown signs of decline in his last couple of fights. In his battle against a less-favoured Jessie Magdaleno, Donaire was completely out-boxed and couldn?t seem to find the target. Disappointments realized, there was talk that ?The Filipino Flash? should hang his gloves for good; he struggled awfully against Nicholas Walters and Guillermo Rigondeaux to compound these views of critiquing onlookers.
In his next assignment, he will face Carl Frampton who has the upper hand being five younger and with many miles less travelled on the clock than the ageing Donaire. ?The Jackal? split his two-fight showdown against Leo Santa Cruz, with both fights ending up in a majority decision. Frampton may give Donaire a much-needed boost to feel young and relevant again with a lot of pressure being put on the shoulders of the Filipino in this attempt to throw his hat back into the world championship ring. Frampton, on the other hand, will be viewing this match-up as an attempt to add another big name onto his growing CV as he looks to make as money out of the last three or four fights in a glittering career.
Asian invasion of Belfast
Interestingly, this will be the first European stint for Donaire. Although his cornermen will exhaust their scouting of his foe, they will be preparing for a battle in an unchartered arena.
Just over a month ago, another Filipino pugilist in Jerwin Ancajas stepped into the ring in Belfast and didn?t fail to deliver. He stopped local bet, Jamie Conlan within six rounds and turned heads with his dominating performance. It used to be unusual for fighters from Asia to appear on fight cards in the UK but the good impression that Ancajas left may have opened the door for more Asian fighters like Donaire.
Although Donaire?s vast experience will probably be his main arsenal coming into the fight, he will face an opponent who?s capable of bringing him a world of trouble. Frampton possesses incredible hand speed which may pose problems for Donaire. Frampton will probably look into what Jessie Magdaleno and Guillermo Rigondeaux did; two fighters with different fight styles but both keeping Donaire from executing his game.
How Donaire prepares for this assignment should be based around rejuvenation; ?The Filipino Flash? needs to feel born-again in the ring and rely on the guts and pride of a young and ballsy underdog. He used to rely on the furious left hook jab that made his foes more cautious, but this isn?t his strongest asset at this stage in his career. If he is struggling to pull the trigger in the fight he needs to think back to one thing: fight like an underdog and throw caution to the wind, as Frampton could be open to defeat.
