LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Several boxing analysts are expecting a “tough fight” for Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire against two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeux of Cuba for the WBO and WBA junior featherweight championship on April 13.
“Rigondeaux has a tremendous amateur pedigree. He's been a good pro, he is unbeaten, but Nonito is in a class of his own right now… he is a rare combination of speed and power. I see him actually winning this fight -- and winning in a spectacular fashion on the 13th,” said James Smith of “In this Corner.”
“If he could beat this guy and do it convincingly, it just opens more doors for him,” said Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Veteran boxing writer kevin Iole similarly cited Donaire’s speed and exceptional boxing skills in the ring.
“I like Donaire to win the fight maybe by stoppage. Rigondeaux had a great amateur career but he hasn’t been good as a pro. He is a two-time medalist but he hasn’t had the kind of pro career that Nonito Donaire has,” said Iole, veteran Yahoo! Sports boxing writer.
“I think the only person that can beat Nonito Donaire under 126 pounds is Nonito Donaire. If there is ever a fight that he is not prepared for or something else’s going on that is destructing to him that I think Donaire is vulnerable,” said Showtime television commentator Al Bernstein. “But he is the most talented fighter under 126 pounds by a lot.”
Although Rigondeaux seems to be the underdog, boxing experts said Donaire still needs to keep his guard.
The Donaire-Rigondeaux fight will take place at the Radio City Music Hall in New York and will air on ABS-CBN Sunday morning.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
