Donaire KOs Montiel
HBO APPEASES THE MASSES THIS WEEKEND ON HBO AFTER DARK
Los Angeles, CA-While HBO has received extensive criticism by this website and others for it’s lack of putting on compelling fights where the result hasn’t been mailed in ahead of time, Saturdays card at the Home Depot Center in Southern California on Saturday October 13th hopefully promises to be it’s best of the year. San Leandro, CA’s Nonito Donaire (29-1, 18 KOs) defends his IBF and WBO title belts against the recognized top fighter in the division Toshiaki Nishioka (39-4-3, 24 KOs) of Japan. The co main event is a head on collision of unbeaten* junior welterweights, Denver, Colorado native Mike Alvarado (33-0, 23 KOs) and Oxnard, CA resident Brandon Rios (30-0-1, 23 KOs). Both fights are even on paper and are the types of bouts HBO subscribers, (many who pay a substantial $18 US dollars per month mainly for its boxing programming) look forward to. Or are they?
CAN RIOS-ALVARADO LIVE UP TO ITS BILLING?
Much had been made up in regards to the magnitude of this fight and the reputation of it’s combatants. Comparisons to Jose Luis Castillo’s first bout vs the late Diego Corrales,one of history’s greatest battles of all time have heightened expectations. However in this case Alvarado has yet to beat any great fighters in his career, and has yet to look spectacular in his biggest wins. Rios was handed a gift decision* in his last fight against overlooked Cuban Richard Abril (17-3-1, 8 KOs). That being said, fans and pundits alike look forward to the styles of the combatants. Both are known for their defensive liabilities, neither is inclined to taking a backward step.
ALVARADO “STILL A LITTLE GREEN?”
The more limited fighter in this contest should be expected to lose. In my estimation and comparing the quality of opposition, Rios has the edge. A thing to consider is that although Alvarado is a natural 140 lb. fighter, Rios who failed to make the lightweight (135) limit in his last two bouts looked miserable trying to make the weight and may be rejuvenated at the junior welterweight limit. “Mile High Mike” has looked his best against natural lightweights (135) in victories against Mauricio Herrera (18-2, 7 KOs) and Bredis Prescott (26-4, 20 KOs).
NISHIOKA IS 36 AND HASN’T FOUGHT IN OVER A YEAR!
Having not lost since 2004 and the stripping of his WBC 122 lb. championship should tell you he has the credentials to beat Nonito Donaire. In his last outing he won against far past his prime and 37-year old and naturally lighter Rafael Marquez (41-7, 37 KOs). While Marquez clearly lost the bout, it wasn’t the type of performance that would give you the impression Nishioka beats a much younger and explosive 29 year-old in the “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire.
Kevin Perry