CAN THE FLASH OUTFOX THE JACKAL?
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 Nov 2013
Nonito Donaire was staring at the specter of another perplexing defeat before his left hook bailed him out. Vic Darchinyan did make a few modifications, wary that lightning may strike twice at any moment. His awkward southpaw crab-like stance did prove to be more puzzling the second time around.
Was it just a ruse when Donaire was content with using right hand leads early in the fight?
This was not the Filipino Flash that fans have come to appreciate. His combination punching was found wanting. After the 8th round, Darchinyan was ahead by 78-74 on two judges' cards with one scoring it even at 76-76.
Donaire is the first member of Philippine boxing?s ?Big 3? to bounce back with a win after the series of disappointing defeats set-off last December by Manny Pacquiao?s KO loss to Juan Manuel Marquez , followed by Brian Viloria losing his WBA/WBO flyweight belts to Juan Francisco Estrada, and capped by Donaire?s unanimous decision loss last April to Guillermo Rigondeaux in their WBO/WBA super bantamweight unification match.
Shortly after beating Darchinyan, the Flash declared that he wants a rematch against the Cuban ?El Chacal?. The taste of that chastening loss obviously lingered in his mind.
But can he do better?
If the rematch happens, Donaire?s corner will be a big factor; changes will have to be made, not just during in preparations, but also during the fight itself. It could wind up being another draining chess match, with adjustments becoming a necessity in almost every round.
Donaire has reconciled with his estranged father, Nonito,Sr, who engineered his first win against Darchinyan in 2007. The elder Donaire and Robert Garcia will have to be on the same page to avoid confusion in between rounds.
Rigondeaux has Joseph Agbeko to worry about in December. But he has stated that he will be ready for a rematch with Donaire come March of next year.
Filipino chess players have a saying, ?Sino yung unang ma-inis, siya ang talo.? (He who gets irritated first, loses the game). Donaire has the edge in power; come from behind Ko?s are always dramatic but they don?t happen all the time. He will to be more patient and calculating against Rigondeaux and forget about being spectacular.
For the meantime, there is a talent rich featherweight division to think about, with a lot of attractive fights against the reigning title holders. But Donaire?s road back to the top ten pound for pound list may not be as smooth compared to his his bolt from the blue KO against Darchinyan in 2007.
File photo- Nonito Donaire
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