IT WASN?T exactly his finest performance, but in the end, Nonito Donaire?s vaunted left hook?perhaps, boxing?s deadliest punch?found it?s way into Vic Darchinyan?s chin.
And just like that, it was d?j? vu.
Power is the greatest equalizer in the fight game, and Donaire?s plethora of reserves in this attribute makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.
A boxer with fight-ending power in both fists capable of anything, and up until the clich?d fat lady sings, it?s not over till it?s really over.
SCORES. Donaire was uncharacteristically gun-shy in the early rounds, and his unwillingness to pull the trigger allowed the aggressive Darchinyan to initially dictate the tempo of the fight.
This might, perhaps, explain why two judges had Darchinyan ahead but the margin of 78-74 was quite perplexing. One judge had it even at 76-76, which was to me, more emblematic of the complexion of the fight.
When I watched the replay, I thought most of the early rounds were too close to call. Darchinyan was busier, but Donaire landed the harder blows.
Initial reports also claimed that Donaire was saved by the bell in the 5th round, but actually he was just covering up while Darchinyan was unloading and he didn?t seem hurt or groggy when the bell rang.
Be that as it may, Donaire made things difficult for himself by not boxing enough and being flat-footed. Perhaps, he was so intent in going for the knockout and redeeming himself after that loss to Rigondeaux.
Some of the boxing pundits were also too harsh on Donaire, claiming that his lack of fundamentals was on full display.
Excuse me, guys. Darchinyan isn?t exactly Sugar Ray Leonard, but wasn?t he ahead on the cards?
Also, please care to check Darchinyan?s record. The guy has six losses. Four of those came by decision. Abner Mares could only manage a split decision. Joseph Agbeko, Anselmo Moreno and Shinsuke Yamanaka, all by unanimous decision. None of them even came close to knocking him out.
Donaire knocked him out. Twice. ?Nuff said.
CLARION CALL. As a true-blue fight fan, it?s difficult for me to miss a major fight on television. But last Sunday, in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda?s wrath, I had to miss the Donaire-Darchinyan bout as our group (family and friends) went to northern Cebu to distribute some relief goods.
I was not prepared for what I saw. My heart tugged at me when I saw children on the streets begging for food, grown men staring blankly ahead while sitting among the rubble of what used to be their homes. Homes that used to shelter families.
When we distributed the little that we could give, I realized it wasn?t just the ephemeral needs of hunger and thirst that we were addressing albeit temporarily, but we were also nurturing their souls because those goods symbolized hope.
Hope that people still cared for each other. Hope that they were not alone in the devastation that they suffered, and that more help is on the way.
Words of gratitude they mouthed, but in their eyes a flicker of hope we recognized and that was the clincher for me.
For a long time since I was back in UP, I have not felt that old familiar feeling of fulfillment, but this time it crept back at me with a vengeance and I was humbled by it all.
While we were in my mother?s hometown of San Remigio, I was able to monitor the fight results through Twitter and Donaire?s victory provided us with good cheer.
It made me realize that if we can gather as one in front of television sets or troop to movie theaters to watch a Manny Pacquiao fight on pay-per-view, there?s no reason why we cannot summon that same unbridled enthusiasm in reaching out to our distressed brethren who need our help.
Let?s not rely solely on our government officials, some of whom are appallingly exhibiting divisive behavior. You can do so much. Yes that?s you, boxing fan. Do your share. Get up and join the relief efforts. After reading this column, say a prayer, give a donation, or volunteer to pack relief goods. Do what you can.
These people are in a real fight, and they need corner men like you.
LAST ROUND. It?s on a dear friend, Trina Zosa- Tan, who celebrates her birthday today. Cheers!
