In what looks like a step back for pound-for-pound prizefighter and San Mateo, California resident Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (30-1, 19 KO’s), he will this weekend venture to the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas to take on Jorge “El Travieso” Arce (61-6-2, 46 KO’s) in defense of his WBO junior featherweight title, a distinction not long ago held by Arce himself.A five-division world champion, “El Travieso” of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico is considered to have seen better days, so that it’s questionable as to why this bout is even taking place. Of course Jorge, who’s won 9 of his last 11 bouts, still feels that as the underdog he has the goods to derail the Filipino.
“It’s motivation for the fight,” stated Arce. “Everyone thinks I’m going to get beat, but I’m going to surprise them. I’m going to show them! I told my son who is going to be one year old on Saturday that after I beat this guy, I’m taking him to Disney[land]!”
Make no mistake however, Nonito Donaire who’s been on a roll after conquering one significant opponent after the other, no less deserves what might be considered a tune-up fight. With no disrespect meant to Arce, a warrior as well as major player throughout most of his nearly 17 year career, he and Donaire although not far apart in age or stature, seem pugilistically to be headed in opposite directions.
The well respected Mexican fighter’s days are simply numbered, to the point that his will could perhaps be called into question. Despite his recent string of successes, Arce after scoring an early flash knockdown against Jesus Rojas a couple of fights back, had in my estimation realized that his power against Rojas was subsequently ineffective, while on the other hand, blows administered by the Puerto Rican banger were visibly taking their toll in the very first round.
As a result, Jorge in quite possibly and uncharacteristically looking for a way out had found it, complaining of a foul early in the second frame so that the bout would end forthwith, declared a no-contest. This may be speculation on my part but the fact is that Arce chose no to continue, foregoing what could have been a five minute recovery period.
Another offering which may shed light on what’s likely to transpire this weekend, is that one year prior in a very close bout against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., the man from whom both Arce and Donaire would capture the very same WBO title up for grabs, “El Travieso” would gain what for all intensive purposes was a come from behind stoppage over Jr., while Donaire in comparison really dominated the former champion.
Taking it a step further, “The Filipino Flash” would accomplish this particular feat without the use of his vaunted left hand, of which he would suffer a debilitating laceration in a bout that should have rightfully been declared a unanimous decision, rather than the actual split decision verdict handed down.
All in all “The Filipino Flash” is riding a wave, handily destroying seven high level opponents in a row so that Donaire has simply demonstrated literally and figuratively, with the exception of the lengthier Jeffrey Mathebula, that he’s head and shoulders above the competition. After moving up in weight, he’s been utterly dominant in 2012, so that in my book he’s the “Fighter of the Year.”
In light of this and other tell tale signs, Arce and Donaire are in the eyes of those who can see, on different levels. Despite this, Nonito after having the Mexican veteran in his sights for so long will tell you that “El Travieso” still represents a stern challenge, because this is how Nonito rolls.
Whether an injured hand prevents Donaire from coming through, something that’s bothered the champion as of late, or any other variety of malfunction surfaces so that the longshot is able to seize the moment, one can never know. This is the very reason that pugilists must engage, so as to determine an outcome which may or may not live up to expectations.
