Nonito Donaire JR. has been described as a very skillful boxer. He is said to have what it takes to become one of boxing’s greatest. But this needs to be backed up by performance and, so far, he has shown he is right on track.
On August 15, he embarks on a new chapter in his career as he moves up to the super-flyweight division only a few months after his unforgettable performance against the undefeated Raul Martinez. He will be facing the unpredictable Rafael Concepcion.
Donaire clearly comes in with various advantages. He is taller than Concepcion and has a longer reach. He is obviously stronger and is clearly more skillful. Betting against the Filipino Flash would be foolish.
This next fight, however, will be a test of patience and maturity.
That knockout of the year performance against Vic Darchinyan revealed a boxer blessed not only with extraordinary punching ability but one who knows how to position himself correctly, thus allowing him to throw those solid punches. He has full control of the movement of his legs and agility. His speed is the key to enabling him to throw well-timed blows.
Donaire disposed of his next opponents in classic fashion—and he did not allow them to go the distance. He either knocks them out as he did with Raul Martinez, or he pummels his opponents with a barrage which leads to an early stoppage. Luis Maldonado and Moruti Methalane are just a few of those who could not match up with the Filipino.
Concepcion provides another kind of challenge. He may not be expected to beat Donaire but he will put up a fight. Concepcion is a durable fighter willing to take punches in order to give some of his own.
Although Concepcion has gone down several times because of head shots, he has always bounced back from every knockdown. He has also proven to have the ability to take body shots and then some. This oftentimes brings his opponents to the point of carelessness. This then provides an opportunity for Concepcion to steal the fight.
AJ Banal was beaten by Concepcion this way. The Filipino was way ahead on points, connecting at will. He had full control of the fight, throwing 1-2 combinations with a few uppercuts and hooks here and there—all with power behind them.
Concepcion took all of that and confused the young Filipino. For reasons only known to Banal, Concepcion was able to turn the fight around, find his second wind and finally beat Banal via a technical knockout.
Donaire, with all his exemplary skills, need to face a fighter such as Concepcion. Here, his patience will be tested. His ability to adjust to solve the ever-charging Concepcion will be put to fore. If Concepcion can last Donaire’s attack in the first few rounds, he may have a slim chance to steal the win.
Overconfidence can sometimes be the worst opponent of all.
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