The moment I learned about the news that bantamweight bosses John Riel Casimero and Nonito Donaire are on a collision course for 14 August in Los Angeles, my palms began to sweat and my heart started to race.
You see, this is a match that is made in heaven.
Donaire is a four-division champion who is regarded as second behind Manny Pacquiao in terms of ring accomplishments. Those who dare question his place among the immortals should have their heads examined.
And then you have John Riel Casimero, also a multi-division titleholder who has been leaving a trail of broken bones and bloodied nostrils in his wake the last couple of years.
Donaire holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) version of the 118-lb title while Casimero boasts of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) crown.
The two are legitimate punchers whose intention is to render an opponent senseless.
Donaire has done it many times in the past, shutting the daylights out of a bevy of topnotch rivals.
Casimero, too, has been doing his thing and catching the imagination of hardcore fight fans.
Just how hard does Casimero punch?
Ask South African Zolani Tete, who got ambushed by Casimero in November 2019 in Birmingham to capture the WBO strap. The poor fellow was knocked out while standing.
Since this is an intriguing matchup, I could not help but ask some of the country’s top boxing minds about their take on the fight.
Gerry Peñalosa (former WBC super-flyweight and WBO super-bantam champion): “This is a 50-50 fight but it’s a career-advancement fight to the winner and beneficial for Philippine boxing.”
Donnie Nietes (WBO minimumweight, WBO light-fly, IBF flyweight and WBO super-fly champion): “They’re equal although Nonito has the slight edge. Both are experienced fighters and have power. It’s just a matter of who lands the first punch. This won’t go 12 rounds. Somebody’s going down for sure because they love to trade power punches.”
Malcolm Tuñacao (former WBC flyweight champion): “It’s hard to pick because both have power but whoever lands the first big shot wins the fight. But style-wise, Donaire has the advantage. Nonito is also intelligent (in the ring).”
Marvin Somodio (Wild Card Boxing Club trainer): “It’s a great fight but it’s 50-50. Hard to pick a winner but it will be exciting.”
Roel Velasco (1992 Barcelona Olympics bronze medalist): “I am going for Nonito Donaire because of skills and experience.”
Brix Flores (1986 Seoul Asian Games bronze medalist): Donaire has fought a lot of top fighters compared with Casimero but they both have power and are willing to face the best and have proven to absorb punishment. They don’t take a backward step and this makes for an exciting fight. Someone’s going to get knocked out.
There you go. Now, who’s your pick?
