THERE is a buzz generated every time knockout artists strut their wares, a certain kind of emotion that is noticeably absent elsewhere. Sure, the other name fighters can pack in the crowds, do reasonably well at the gate and even rake in impressive pay-per-view numbers.
But among hard-core fans, it?s all about that fistic juju–the expectation that anytime, at any second, something violent is going to happen that will take our breaths away.
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To these special breed of fighters, it?s difficult to peel one?s self away from the action even for just a split-second and risk missing that moment.
Mike Tyson had that special quality, and even though his skills deteriorated badly as he aged, people still flocked to his fights because he had that one-punch knockout power that left people in breathless awe.
THE FLASH. Arguably, you seldom find that same level of torque behind a punch in the lower weight classes.
But in 2007, a then unknown Fil-Am named Nonito Donaire Jr. was set to trade mitts with another knockout artist, a vicious power-puncher whose alacrity at throwing that murderous left hand was rivaled only by his thuggish attitude towards his opponents.
Donaire warned that he would let Vic Darchinyan feel his power and at that time, I honestly thought this young man with only 17 wins to his name was way in over his head.
But as they say, the rest is part of boxing lore and history. Donaire dominated the ?Raging Bull? and knocked him out with a picture perfect left hook in the fifth round.
I instantly became a fan, as did countless others and Donaire instantly joined that incendiary ilk of special fighters, capable of ending a fight with a single punch.
TOSHIAKI. But today, as he squares off against Japanese Toshiaki Nishioka, I am hoping Donaire doesn?t get giddy looking for that early knockout and instead, bides his time and uses his excellent boxing skills.
Here?s why. In his last fight against Jeffrey Mathebula, I thought that the ?Filipino Flash? was trying too hard to get that coveted KO that he became careless and needlessly placed himself in precarious situations.
When the South African tasted the canvas in the fourth round, he smelled blood and pounced. No problem there as he did what any certified knockout artist would do and went for the kill.
But when it became apparent that Mathebula was bent on surviving and shifted to defensive mode to avoid being stopped, Donaire?s defense became shabby and he got tagged by shots he could easily have avoided.
This, he cannot afford to happen against an accomplished champion like Nishioka.
The Japanese banger has not lost since 2004, and just like Donaire, he got infinitely better through experience and through years of attrition against formidable opposition. Though not particularly fast, he loves to unload punches in bunches, rifling through combinations with his superior stamina.
He is quite heavy handed too, and parades a record of 39 wins, 4 loss and 24 knockouts. Take a look at his one-punch knockout of the Mexican champ Johnny Gonzales and you will have an idea as to why Donaire can?t afford to be reckless.
In that fight, Gonzales was picking apart Nishioka with his longer reach when suddenly, he left himself momentarily open and Nishioka unleashed a left straight that landed right on the kisser.
The impact of the blow knocked down Gonzales with his head violently bouncing off the bottom rope.
MY TAKE. Of course we all know that Gonzales isn?t in the same league as our Nonito, who is currently ranked fourth or fifth in most pound-for-pound rankings. Though blessed with a prodigious punch, Nonito?s best asset is his ability to adapt mid-fight and figure out an opponent?s weakness.
If I were in Nonito?s corner I would let Toshiaki feel his power in the first few rounds. If he hurts him, then that?s it.
But if Toshiaki survives, he should rely on his superior speed and skill set to dominate the middle rounds, pile on the points and still have enough left to finish strong in the championship rounds.
LAST ROUNDS. Are on Teresita C. Zosa and Gerald Ca?ete who celebrate their birthdays this week. Cheers!
