This weekend a virtual “audition” to become local boxing?s next big thing will be staged. This, as Pinoy pugs Nonito “The Flash” Donaire and Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria take on separate foes not only to bring pride to the country but fortify their claims as well as the fighters to watch out for to eventually replace Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao as THE Filipino boxer.
In a first-ever dual world championship card to be staged in the country on Sunday, both Donaire and Viloria get to show the world what stuff they are made off against formidable opponents. Donaire is staking his IBO and IBF flyweight (112 lb) titles against unbeaten Mexican Raul “Cobra” Martinez in a scheduled 12-rounder while Viloria tries to reassert himself and seize the IBF light-flyweight (108 lb) crown from Ulises Solis also of Mexico.
Donaire, with a record of 20-1 with 13 knockouts, is making his third defense of the title he devastatingly took from Vic Darchinyan two years ago. Donaire hasn?t lost in his last 19 outings since 2001, including two successful title defenses against Luis Maldonado and Moruti Mthalane where he showed impressive form.
Entering the contest, The Flash is the favorite over Cobra Martinez (24-0 with 14 knockouts). He?s a year younger and more taller by two inches at five-foot-six albeit they have identical 68 inches in reach. A concern for Donaire though is that he has fought only four times in the last 17 months while Martinez, for his part, won four times last year alone and is coming off a scintillating first-round knockout triumph over Victor Proa.
But despite this, Donaire and his handlers assert that there?s nothing to worry about as Donaire is said to have prepared himself for the fight and in “tiptop” shape to take the Martinez challenge. The Flash was even quoted as saying, “If it goes 12 rounds, I?ll be ready. If the opening for a knockout comes, I?ll go for it”; underscoring a fighter that?s every bit prepared for any eventuality.
Make or break
Because of a rather roller-coaster showing in the last couple of years, not a few are viewing Viloria?s bid to wrest the IBF light-flyweight title as make or break. It?s all about being of relevance again in the boxing circuit for Viloria (24-2, with 14 KOs) who hasn?t really built up on the potential he showed when he stopped Eric Ortiz in the first round of their 2005 fight for the WBC light-flyweight title. Viloria has won five in a row, two via KO, going into Sunday?s bout but pundits and observers are taking a cautious stand especially against a champion like Solis, notwithstanding the 28-year-old Viloria subjecting himself to “intense” training.
Solis (28-1-2) is considered one of the best light-flyweights in the world today, backed by nine successful title defenses, three at the expense of Filipinos ? Bert Batawang, Rodel Mayol and Glenn Donaire, brother of Nonito.
Viloria?s camp is still bullish though, claiming the Hawaiian Punch has something off his sleeves, not to mention the backing of the expected partisan local crowd.
Interestingly enough Donaire and Viloria used to be rivals when they were amateurs, now they are on the same side so it?s going to be interesting to see how things will pan out for them.
While Pacquiao is still the king of RP boxing it?s never too early to survey for possible “heirs” to his throne. Do Donaire and Viloria have it in them? That we will see come Sunday.
“The Flash and the Furious” is on Sunday, April 19, at the Araneta Coliseum and will be aired over GMA-7, C/S 9 and Solar Sports. Check your local listings for coverage details.
