FILIPINO 122 LB. CHAMP IMPRESSIVE IN VICTORY!
Los Angeles, CA- In what was a one sided fight, Nonito Donaire (30-1, 19 KOs), one of boxing best pound for pound, put forth a display of controlled aggression in an easy victory over Japans Toshiaki Nishioka (39-5-3 24 KOs), a technical knockout in round nine in Carson, CA at the Home Depot Center. It appeared that the 36 year-old Nishioka had one foot out the door on his boxing career from the opening bell. He hadn’t lost a fight since 2004, yet seemed content to just play safe and go through the motions round after round putting forth little effort in trying to win the fight. On paper he was one of the top fighters in the division, however he hadn’t fought in 15 months, and as expected by this writer he didn’t put up the type of challenge pundits had believed he was capable of. His last bout, a decision win over way past prime Rafael Marquez (41-7, 37 KOs),a fighter who had three brutal wars with Israel Vasquez and was also stopped by Juan Manuel Lopez (31-2, 28 KOs) last year, was an indicator that he just wouldn’t have the ability to compete with a dynamic fighter like Donaire at this stage in his career. Inside the ring any sense of desire to win was apparent.
DONAIRE’S POST FIGHT INTERVIEW WAS PATHETIC!
Doniare appeared annoyed by the post fight questions of HBO interviewer Max Kellerman in regards to him fighting WBA 122lb champion and 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs).
GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX: DONAIRE’S BIGGEST THREAT
For some unknown reason whenever his name is brought up it appears the Filipino has every excuse in the world why he isn’t a worthy opponent. Unfortunately the spin just isn’t working. Both guys have the same promoter (Top Rank) and fans in the blogosphere continually express interest in seeing this bout come to fruition. Whats the reluctance? Donaire said himself in the interview that he’s not excited about the fight. His comments make no sense. What happened to pride and giving the fans what they want? He’s fought four handpicked opponents in a row, Jeffrey Mathebula, Omar Narvaez, Wilfredo Vasquez Jr, and the aforementioned Japenese fighter. Not one of those bouts was one that American fight fans were clamoring for. The one other bout that fans have expressed interest in seeing is versus WBC beltholder Abner Mares (24-0-1, 13 KOs) who unfortunately is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions who Top Rank refuses to do business with. As far as I am concerned in regards to big fights his options are extremely limited. Is Donaire ducking the Cuban? That’s the 64,000 dollar question.
-Kevin Perry