The Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire (33-2 KO’s 21) takes on Nicholas Walters (24-0 KO’s 20) on Saturday’s (Sunday in PH) boxing event at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California.
WBA world featherweight champion Nonito Donaire was once considered as the third best pound-for-pound fighter before he lost to Guillermo Rigondeaux. Donaire’s status in the boxing world started to diminish after that defeat.
However, the Filipino fighter had just stormed back by beating Vick Darchinyan (TKO) on November 9, 2013, and Simpiwe Vetyeka on May 31 this year. Donaire has to face the undefeated Walters in today’s fight to get himself back into the few of the best fighters left.
Walters would love to exploit his advantages in height and reach. Walters stands at 5’7 with 73 inch in reach while Donaire’s 5’5 with a 68 inch reach.
Walters has to contain the explosiveness of Donaire through his reach advantage. Walters maintains the great defense as he could switch from offense immediately.
Donaire has been effective as a counter puncher. He knows how to maintain distance and counter over the opposing fighter’s jab with a right punch. His accuracy will be in play as he tries to find ways on how to eliminate his opponent.
Expect for counter punches and dangerous exchanges in the first five rounds, if nobody knocks out. Then, one of the fighters will settle down if he knows he has the scorecards.
When: Saturday, October 18 at 10 p.m. ET (Ocobter 19, 10:00 a.m. in the Philippines)
Where: StubHub Center, Carson, California
TV: HBO