Let me do the honors in raising this timely debate. I know some will choose to meet this with emotion, and pull their triggers without fully understanding the notion, so allow me first to elaborate. This isn’t about Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire, Jr.’s overall accomplishments and careers. That’s a “no-brainer”; Pacquiao’s accomplishments and career are miles ahead of Donaire’s. My question is whether Donaire has surpassed Pacquiao as the current best pound-for-pound Filipino boxer. It’s just like asking if Andre Ward has overtaken Floyd Mayweather, Jr. as the best American pound-for-pound boxer.?Comprende?
I was actually surprised when I asked some Filipino boxing writers, fans, and insiders a couple of weeks ago regarding their top pound-for-pound list for Filipino boxers, when more than a few ranked Donaire higher than Pacquiao. And after dominating who some considered as the best jr. featherweight in Toshiaki Nishioka last weekend, my message boards lit up with a heated debate on the same subject, which prompted me to formally pen a inquisition on the subject matter.
So who is today’s best Filipino pound-for-pound boxer? Pacquiao or Donaire?
On paper since 2010, Pacquiao has decisioned Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez, and dropped a controversial loss to Timothy Bradley. Donaire, on the other hand, has knocked out Fernando Montiel and Nishioka, and decision Omar Narvaez, Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. and Jeffrey Mathebula, all world champion fighters at some point in their careers. The Ring ranked Pacquiao and Donaire at #1 and #5 respectively at the beginning of 2010.
Based on activity alone and the way he has performed against opponents, it’s safe to say that Donaire has had the better showing since 2010. But the soundest pound-for-pound ranking debates are based more on what’s on paper, so let’s continue.
As far as skills and improvement, the younger Donaire (29) continues to improve, while Pacquiao (33) has not looked as good in the ring since he beat Miguel Cotto in November of 2009. Donaire has also proven to be the better technical fighter and the more well-rounded of the two with his counter-punching and defensive skills.
In terms of caliber of opponents, Pacquiao still gets my nod. Had Donaire fought and beaten guys like Guillermo Rigondeaux and Abner Mares, instead of Mathebula and Narvaez, then this might not even be debatable. Marquez’s credentials alone are better than all of Donaire’s opponents combined.
Donaire definitely has the momentum right now, but many Filipino boxing fans are still transfixed on Pacquiao despite not showing the same killer instinct and focus that endeared him to them a few years back. Pacquiao promised to bring back the old Pacquiao in the ring this December, but has also postponed his training camp in LA which was originally slated on October 8, and moved it to the end of the month.
All things considered, I am still leaning toward Pacquiao, but will definitely look closely at his upcoming fight against Marquez to base where he stands after.
What’s your take? Let me know your thoughts below.
