It?s been a while since fight fans have the seen cable giant HBO produce a major fight in PPV below the featherweight division. With HBO?s power backing up a lower weight PPV card, it will have a glorious effect on boxing while most big money fights are above the featherweight division. It?s a great opportunity for the ?little guys? to prove their worth to a broader audience.
With only a few days remaining, Fernando Montiel of Mexico will defend his WBO bantamweight title for the 5th time against up-and coming star Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire of the Philippines. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada will host the second major fight of 2011 on February 19 and from the looks of it, we are going to see what a ?super fight? really means.
Fernando Montiel, 43-2-2, is probably the best bantamweight around and has defended his WBO title for 4 consecutive times. At 31 years old, he has a lot of fight left in him especially after an impressive victory against Jovanny Sotto. For Nonito Donaire, 23-1-0, this will be his ticket to superstardom, no questions about that. He has always wanted to fight the biggest names on his division, and now this is his chance. He had a great performance against Sidorenko and he surely wants to continue his amazing form.
Montiel has fought some of the best fighters in his division and defeated them convincingly. Donaire is a hungry lion who wants to prove that he is no ?1-hit wonder?. Although experience will definitely be the biggest advantage of Montiel going into this fight, Donaire?s aggressiveness and eagerness will also be a major factor. Both fighters are fast, powerful, and smart.
For this fight, I see a 50-50 chance for either fighter because of their superb skills and talent. It is a tough one to call because they are almost evenly matched. Both fighters are extremely well prepared, confident, and complete all-around fighters. We will see two great fighters fighting for the prestige of becoming the best bantamweight in the world. We seldom see 2 fighters in the same division ranked in the top 10 pound for pound list squaring off against each other.
Forget about the rankings and forget about the betting odds. We will witness non-stop action from these two exciting fighters who love to fight toe to toe. They are out to prove who the king of the 118-lb division is. Let the Super Fight Begin!
My fearless forecast: Montiel will win should the bout go the distance. However, if Donaire can show his dominating power from his last fight, he will win a viscous KO inside 8 rounds.
