Nonito and Rigondeaux - The First 2013 Great Fight

By Simón Piña - WBA News

The Filipino, Nonito Donaire made and fought four world title fights in 2012, that earned him the recognition as the Fighter of the Year over big names like Juan Manuel Marquez, Sergio Martinez, Manny Pacquiao, Klitchko brothers, the Rusian Gennady Golovkin, Bernard Hopkins, André Ward and other luminaries of today boxing world.

His victories by KO over fighters like Vic Darchinian, Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel and Jorge “Travieso” Arce created him a reputation of invincible puncher before frontal boxers.  He won by decision to technical and fast boxers like  the Argentinean Omar Narvaez and Puerto Rican Wilfredo “Papito” Vazquez as he was unable to reach them because both fighters, eager to finish standing and to avoid being knocked out, gave up their offensive and they devoted to defend themselves and blocking the Filippino’s offensive.

So, before any style, Nonito has looked invincible, although stylist boxers have bothered him the most. He has become an idol in Philippines, even more after Pacquiao defeat before the Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, even though he was taken to Los Angeles when he was only a boy, and has grown as a local boxer. He is very popular and he is a very nice person and speaks fluent English and speaks Spanish fairly well.

But, What will happen with Rigondeaux?
Guillermo Rigondeaux is another Cuban boxing “Whiz child”. Since his beginning, he has been been a ring phenomenon.  His vast and successful career of 287 fights win only 4 losses proves it.  Thanks to his technique, punches and great physical conditions, he went around the world winning gold on most of the competitions he participated.

In the 2007 Pan-American Games of Rio de Janeiro, he was the favorite and decided to flee with his team mate Erislandy Lara. For reasons unknown, Lara made the connection set and traveled to Germany, but, surprisingly, it was learned that Rigondeaux had been caught bathing in one of the famous beaches of the Carnival City and stunning Garotas.

Once in Cuba the young boxer was demoted from his status and was expelled from the Olympic Team. His wife complained publicly of the ill-treatment he received. This made it harder to get out of the island, which they managed to do some time later. Finally he could settle in Miami and engage in professional boxing. His tremendous experience in amateur boxing helped him stand out soon.

With only 11 fights, 8 of them won by knockout, Rigondeaux is already the WBA Super bantamweight world champion and now he will fight for the WBO and WBC. Althought the titles are not important, knowing who is the best Super bantamweight of the world and whether Nonito will be able to knock out Rigondeau, or if the Cuban will discover and take advantage of any fault in the Filippino’s strategy for the fight to come out victorious.

Their weapons
Nonito, Nonito, we know, is a destroyer. He has very fast fists that he throws in lightning-fast combinations. He does not throw recognitions punches. All of his punches are for knockout, besides he has a lethal precision. From the beginning he will seek to shorten distance to punish opponent and dominate him as soon as possible. He must be the favorite in the betting.

Rigondeaux is a boxer with very fast legs and hands. He is intelligent and moves skillfully. Besides he is not a soft puncher, he has shown he can do a lot of damage with his fists. Has Nonito ever faced a boxer with this wisdom and strength?  Nonito has not been hit yet. What will he do if Rigondeaux hits him?

Another question yet to answer is what will Nonito do with a southpaw who moves faster and is more skillful that Wilfredo Vasquez and Omar Narvaez who made him fight for 12 rounds and wait for the score of the judges. If the Cuban wants to win, he will have to risk at some point and that is where danger is. In his professional career, Rigondeaux has gone to the canvas. Can he assimilate Nonito’s punches power?  Even so, we have the hunch that the Cuban will be able to solve the problems the dangerous Filipino will pose and at the end he will succeed imposing his exquisite boxing and ability.

We will watch this very interesting fight on April 13 in New York, in a very luxury setting, unusual for boxing, the Radio City Music Hall. In 81 years this legendary Theatre, only one boxing program has been staged there. This will be the second one. But that will subject for another article.

Source: wbanews.com/artman/publish/news/Nonito_and_Rigondeaux_The_First_2013_Great_Fight.shtml