When two talents collide: Nonito Donaire vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux
 By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing (April 11, 2013) Doghouse Boxing
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On April 13 at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City, NY, 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash” Donaire (30-1, 20 KOs) will put his WBO super bantamweight belt on the line against undefeated Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Donaire is unquestionably one of the best pound for pound boxers in the world. His dramatic one-punch knockout of Vic Darchinyan in 2007 brought him acclaim - and the first of four world titles.
Rigondeaux, 32, (11-0, 8 KOs) made his name as an amateur – capturing Olympic gold at the 2000 and 2004 games. He defected to the United States in 2009 and promptly turned professional. It took the gifted Rigondeaux only nine fights to claim a championship belt.
The 30-year-old Donaire is a highly skilled boxer-puncher. Two years ago, he knocked out former champion Fernando Montiel inside of two rounds. Donaire has a left hook that borders on scary. His knockouts can be dramatic and sudden.
Rigondeaux, a southpaw, has agility and quickness. His defense is sound. He likes to counterpunch. He doesn’t hit as hard as Donaire, but his shots are sharp and accurate.
"This [fight] is a golden opportunity for my career," Rigondeaux recently told boxingscene.com. I’ll be facing the best at 122 pounds, and he's earned [that position]. He has not fought anybody and playing a guitar and then playing a violin is not the same thing. I'm going to shut that stubborn Filipino's mouth and I will unify the titles."
Donaire, who recently parted company with nutritionist guru Victor Conte, is unmoved by Rigondeaux’s words.
“He has a lot of amateur experience,” he told ESPN, “but amateur experience is different from professional fights.
“I think Montiel is a much tougher fight. There are a lot of guys out there,” he added.
The element of surprise is an issue for both fighters. Donaire has never faced a boxer with the all-around skills of Rigondeaux. The quick punching Cuban could expose some of the Filipino’s defensive liabilities. The strength of Rigondeaux’s chin is a mystery.
Donaire will look to solve that conundrum early.
Stylistically, Rigondeauz figures to do very well in spots. He’ll want to box and avoid the Donaire left hook. His enigmatic technique will give Donaire problems. If Rigondeaux drops his right, the show could be over early.
Last year, Donaire knocked out Toshiaki Nishioka with his right hand. Donaire will eventually solve the Rigondeaux riddle by a late stoppage or decision.
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