On the night of July 7 Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire may have to give some ground against a hard charging, heavy hitting “Raging Bull.” He will be challenging Vic Darchinyan for the latter’s IBF flyweight title, as well as trying to avenge the defeat of his brother. The fight will be the semi main event for the Travis Simms vs. Joachim Alcine bout at the Harbour Yard Arena in Bridgeport, CT.
Nonito Donaire sports a professional record of (17-1, 10 KOs). Born in the Philippines but now residing in San Leandro, CA “The Filipino Flash” began boxing at the age of 11. As an amateur, Donaire won several National Championships and barely missed a spot on the 2000 U.S. Olympic team losing a close decision to Brian Viloria (recently dethroned WBA junior flyweight title holder) in the finals.
Donaire, 24, has been fighting professionally for six-and-a half years but has never ventured into world class despite winning 16 consecutive fights since his lone loss in March 2001 (only his second pro fight). Donaire brings some qualities to the fight – a strong amateur background and quick hands. His brother Glenn Donaire recently was defeated by Darchinyan which will add some additional motivation for Nonito to avenge his brother’s loss.
Nonito’s biggest weakness is his lack of experience and quality of opposition. Not ranked by any of the sanctioning bodies, he has gone 12 rounds only once in his career – which casts some doubt on his ability to last the full route. Despite Showtime’s policy of making the best fights, it seems that this Donaire has been thrown in the deep end unless they know something we don’t.
Indeed, Darchinyan, 31, just looks too much. The 28-0 (22 KOs) southpaw slugger risks his belt for the seventh time. Ominously, none of his foes have made it to the final bell.
A 2000 Olympic representative for Armenia, Vic advanced to the third round, losing a decision and all hopes of winning medals. Nonetheless, Vic compiled an amazing 152-18 record with 105 knockouts. He turned professional in 2000 at Sydney, Australia, which he now calls home.
A pure puncher, Darchinyan favors the straight left and is always looking for the knockout. The southpaw carries this power and intensity into the later rounds, as demonstrated in his title-winning, come-from-behind win over Irene Pacheco. Vic fights with extreme confidence and has displayed a strong chin; his aggressive style has made him into a fan favorite but he’s been unable to land a major fight.
However, he can try too hard for the knockout, abandoning his boxing skills in his bid to end fights with nearly every punch. Despite his chilling power he can be obvious, and his critics believe he’d be in trouble against an accomplished world-class boxer.
If Donaire has the goods, he can frustrate Vic – who can be amateurish – as Diosdado Gabi did back in March of 2006, before the Armenian-Aussie caught up with him in eight.
In his last bout Darchinyan dealt a brutal beating to Victor Burgos who later fell into a coma and had emergency surgery. Burgos has recovered and is out of the hospital but his career is over. Vic is relieved at his opponent’s recovery but has not allowed him to lose sight of his goals – to secure fights against his rival 112-pound champions (Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, Takefumi Sakata, Omar Narvaes) or those in the super flyweight class (Cristian Mijares, Fernando Montiel).
Until the fight, there will be the question of whether his aggression and killer instinct have been blunted after the Burgos affair. There are question marks around Donaire, as well – will he be able to keep his cool and his fight plan in this emotional and taxing scenario, against a man who effectively battered his brother (Glenn claimed an injury and the referee bought it, ruling a technical decision for Vic rather than TKO)?
One thing is certain: this will be a routine night for either man.
