Nonito Donaire and his camp expressed some doubts going into his 2011 bantamweight showdown with Fernando Montiel. But Team Donaire has been cocksure about beating Guillermo Rigondeaux in Saturday?s 122-pound unification bout on HBO, so who are we to argue?
Even those who think Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 knockouts) has a fairly good chance of pulling the upset at New York?s Radio City Music Hall are hard-put to explain how, and the former Cuban Olympic gold medalist is no help on that front. He says he expects to figure it out in the ring, as he always does. Which unfortunately for him is one of those areas in which Donaire is probably the best in the world.
Perhaps Rigondeaux, who is 32 and looks older, maybe because of his 400 amateur bouts, will be quicker than Donaire, 30, at times, or even continually. Rigondeaux may be able to dart in and out and take pot shots that win him an early round or two. But if that?s how he has to win, it?s likely that Donaire will catch him coming in sooner or later.
Besides, that?s not how Rigondeaux fights. He?s a master counter-puncher who is hard to hit and can spring like a cobra with knockout power in either hand.
As can Donaire (31-1, 20 knockouts), whose advantages in length, youth and pro experience ought to count for something in a battle of near-equals, if in fact they are near-equals.
?When it comes down to speed and power and tactical ability,? Donaire said, ?then my experience will come in handy . . . (That?s) a big factor when it comes down to we are evenly matched. If it comes down to speed and power, then my experience will be an ace for me, but that is something we will need to find out ? if he is stronger than me or faster than me.?
Donaire certainly didn?t embrace Rigondeaux as a near-equal until a few weeks ago, it seems. You have to take the San Mateo-based native of the Philippines at his word that he wasn?t avoiding Rigondeaux out of reluctance to take a risk. He honestly thought the left-hander wasn?t qualified and would be a boring opponent.
His first fight in New York was a snoozer because his opponent wouldn?t engage but he expects Rigondeaux to seriously threaten his superiority in the 122-pound division. And he admits he has trouble doing his best against mediocre opposition, so he?s glad if Rigondeaux indeed poses problems.
That?s why this shapes up to be a dazzling victory for Donaire. It?s quiet possible that Rigondeaux will create his share of the excitement, and it might be best for Donaire if that happens.
It?s hard to imagine Rigondeaux winning a decision. He?ll have to try to hurt Donaire, and Nonito will make him pay, winning by TKO in the 10th or 11th round.
?He has been the best ever at the amateur level trying to become one of the best at the professional level.? Donaire said of Rigondeaux in summation. ?It is going to be something ? people are going to be there for a treat. It?s going to be a great fight.?
Who are we to argue?
