It?s good that Nonito Donaire Jr. is fighting again this weekend against Ruben Garcia Hernandez of Mexico.
But for boxing analyst Dennis Principe, it would be better for ?the Filipino Flash? if he could set himself up against a named opponent who can guarantee his return to world-title contention.
?Iyong kalaban niya this weekend is not a household name,? Principe said in an interview with ABS-CBN News on Friday.
?It’s more of an activity. He should have fought a former world champion, iyong may pangalan. If he?s fighting a nobody, then he’s just maintaining public awareness.?
This, however, doesn?t mean Donaire, 34, should go carefree against Hernandez, who has a record of 22-2.
Principe said it’s imperative that Donaire scores a knockout to show he still has the same old magic that made him the second most popular Filipino boxer after Manny Pacquiao.
?That’s the only way to make people consider him a world-title hopeful. Time is not on his side. To score a decision would be inconsequential para kay Donaire,? Principe said.
The last time Donaire fought was last November, when he lost his world junior-featherweight title via decision to Jessie Magdaleno.
After failing to get the rematch he wanted, Donaire sought a release from his promotional contract with Top Rank Inc. and signed with Ringstar Sports, which plans to feature him in a world featherweight title bout in 2018.
Principe said the only way for Donaire to make a quick return to the top is to start knocking out opponents again.
It doesn?t necessarily have to be against world champions, but at least recognizable foes.
?If he scores a knockout this weekend, then good. But he has to be in a marquee fight after nito because time is not on his side.?
