Later tonight, IBF/WBO junior featherweight champion Nonito Donaire will step into the squared circle as a professional for the third time this year, as he faces the daunting challenge of Japan?s Toshiaki Nishioka.
Those expecting another showcase from Donaire might first want to first look at the credentials of his southpaw opponent, however. Possessing a 39-4-3 record with 24 knockouts, the 36-year old Nishioka hasn?t lost in over eight years in a stretch that has included six successful defenses of the WBC crown he used to own.
Set to call the action from ringside tonight, HBO?s unofficial ringside judge Harold Lederman was quick to point out just how dangerous of a fight this is for the 29-year old Donaire during our conversation inside of the Manhattan Beach Marriott on Thursday afternoon.
Affable as always, here are a few highlights from my talk with Lederman?
Video: HBO’s Harold Lederman breaks down Nonito Donaire vs. Toshiaki Nishioka
?It?s a very good fight. I like Nishioka. Watching tapes of him, he?s terrific, he?s a southpaw, he can punch, he moves real good, I think he has a hell of a chance. Nonito Donaire hasn?t been shocking the world at 122 like he did when he was at 115 and 118. He?s moving up, he?s taking on a veteran fighter, a real veteran, been in many title fights. This is not going to be easy for Donaire. It?s not the pushover that we think it might be. This is going to be a real good fight. I give Nishioka a real good chance.?
?Everybody wants to see him fight Abner Mares. But listen, first he?s got to get by Nishioka. If he gets by Nishioka then they can start negotiating for Abner, which I think will be a hell of a fight. Of course, Mares has a fight coming up with Moreno, that?s not going to be easy. That Panamanian is tough, no doubt about it. There?s some good fights in the future, after Saturday night.?
?He?s got to back this guy up Saturday night. He?s got to take the fight to Nishioka, without a doubt. Just keep him backing up, that?s what he?s got to do. Just be aggressive, throw the first punch, don?t let the other guy back him up. Southpaws are great when they?re coming forward. If you let this guy get off first all the time with that right jab and that right hook, then Nishioka could win the fight. On the other hand, if you take it to him, keep him backing up, stay on top of him, throw the first punch every time, I think Donaire will win the fight.?
?Well, they were both very, very good fights. Wilfredo Vazquez, I thought he beat him easily and it turned out to be a split-decision, interestingly enough. It gave him some experience at 122; he fought a good 122-pound fighter in Wilfredo Vazquez and the South African was pretty good also. It gave him a feel for the division, so to speak. Because, before that, he was fighting bantamweights and super-flyweights. Now he?s an experienced guy at 122 and that?s the most important thing. He didn?t get hurt in either fight, he won. It gave him stature at 122.?
?Without question, Donaire’s going to have to be careful. You don?t want to get hit on the jaw by a guy who can punch like that. Even if it was a few years ago. Jhonny Gonzalez is a great puncher; I always like seeing that guy. The fact that Nishioka got past Gonzalez without getting knocked out says a lot. Nishioka is no pushover. I think it?s going to be a tough fight. I think it?s going to be very interesting. And certainly, you don?t know what it could lead to. It could lead to a Moreno fight, it could lead to a Mares fight. The division is a great division and I just hope we get some of those fights on HBO.?
