By Nick Bellafatto
Appearing to be an encounter of epic proportions taking place inside New York City’s famed Radio City Music Hall this Saturday night, Ring Magazine’s 122 pound champion and WBO titlist Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (31-1, 20 KO’s) out of Las Vegas, Nevada, is looking to continue his winning ways against Miami, Florida resident and WBA belt holder Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KO’s).
And while the Cuban born Rigondeaux is listed as the division’s number 2 man, he nevertheless represents Donaire’s most formidable opposition to date. This leaves little wiggle room for the Filipino prizefighter in what will be a high stakes unification match televised on HBO Championship Boxing.
Having said that, let’s get down to the principals. There’s an existing liability on the part of “El Chacal” in that he would prove vulnerable to certain blows in more than one bout during his short professional career. That being the case, if Donaire happens to connect with what would be a shot heard around the world, it would put to rest once and for all the negative criticism that has abounded regarding this particular match up.
That talk has run the gamut from Nonito not being on the same level as his counterpart Rigondeaux, whom many regard as the best currently at junior featherweight, to the “Filipino Flash” being flat out reluctant to enter the ring with the likes of his upcoming adversary.
But despite what many have to say, Donaire chose to put “El Chacal” on his hit list right behind WBC champion Abner Mares, a fighter with whom terms could not be reached. Moreover, when the opportunity arose to face Rigondeaux, Nonito who’s desire it is to clean out the division didn’t so much as hesitate, save for the issue of drug testing solely brought about by misinterpreted translation on the part of Team Rigondeaux.
All told the contest fight fans have been salivating over is finally going to happen, as the surging Nonito Donaire looks to add another accolade to his coffers. But will he? For despite what Donaire brings to the table, “El Chacal” besides being a cool customer perhaps possesses the tools to derail the Filipino express.
Initially thinking that Nonito would be uncontested in his run to dominate the junior featherweight ranks, one look at Rigondeaux in person would cause me to initially put that thought on hold.
First off what strikes me about the Cuban is that he’s much quicker in person than any camera will reflect. This alone may put Donaire at a disadvantage. Combine that speed with the precision, power, and other varied attributes that Rigondeaux is able to call upon, and Nonito according to some has bitten off more than he can chew.
In further assessing “El Chacal,” his ring knowledge and experience adds intrigue in that he may very well be able to take away some of what makes Donaire a special fighter, that being his fluidity and ability to fight at angles wherefrom he can knock you senseless. Of course Rigondeaux must execute accordingly.
But then came the less than tested Roberto Marroquin, Rigondeaux’s latest opposition who would momentarily put the Cuban and his WBA distinction in jeopardy. And based on that fight, like Max Schmeling had once observed a flaw in Joe Louis, Guillermo may at some point become victimized by Donaire’s vaunted left hand. In addition to this concern, if I were part of the Rigondeaux camp I would be wary of his lack of contesting A level competition, a circumstance which could factor in significantly.
To top things off, “El Chacal’s” vast amateur experience may at some point turn out to be a double-edged sword. I mean could the wear and tear of nearly 400 amateur fights as a Cuban National affect his performance? We shall see but there’s no denying that Nonito Donaire is on the rise, improving his skill set against a variety of top notch opponents while the Cuban fighting mainly B level competition is still somewhat of a question mark.
But just as there exists doubt surrounding Rigondeaux and what is perceived as a shortcoming or two, so too is there an unknown regarding Donaire in that he hasn’t been hit in a way that has garnered him a reputation for taking a good shot. If indeed Rigondeaux can find a way to set up the WBO champion, this may prove detrimental to the Filipino in a bout many believe will be a chess match of the highest proportions.
Of course Donaire is fond of finishing fights before the limit so that one well connected shot could flush all the Rigondeaux hype down the memory hole. In either scenario one shouldn’t go to the refrigerator during this event. For not only might observers bear witness to a fight of the year type contest considering who the combatants are and what they bring to the dance, but it may very well turn out to be an instant classic.
I like Donaire in this bout to continue on his grand journey, either stopping Rigondeaux before the limit, or garnering a points victory after all is said and done. I don’t feel that the Cuban has enough experience at the highest professional level so that over the course of twelve rounds I either see Guillermo slipping up, or his conservative nature will emerge allowing Donaire to get the better of him.
Speculation aside, whatever transpires I’m hopeful that the event lives up to expectation, especially to that of the participants themselves. “It’s going to be an excellent fight,” said Nonito. “May the best man win of course. I owe New York a good fight [referring to his last NYC bomb against Omar Narvaez] and I want to make this a good fight! We’ll see what he’s [Rigondeaux’s] going to do and we’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”
The Cuban would counter, “in this fight I will try to engage more than I have in the past. [Rigondeaux’s been criticized for his conservative style] I want to give the fans what they want to see. He’s an aggressive boxer. I will be very aggressive and I’m coming for him. It’s the most important fight of my career” and “will determine the best in the 122-pound weight class. I think there are going to be a lot of fireworks.”
