By Joe Hampton – The interim WBA super flyweight world titlist and former IBF and IBO flyweight world champion Nonito Donaire (23-1) is considered by many to be one of the top boxers in the sport. Currently ranked as pound for pound the fourth best fighter in the world by The Ring magazine and at the ripe age of 27, The Filipino Flash seemingly is in his prime. However, Donaire has struggled to participate in meaningful bouts in the last few years..
His biggest achievement came in July 2007 against the ‘Raging Bull’ Vic Darchinyan when he scored a devastating KO of his unbeaten opponent. The fight was voted both knockout of the year and upset of the year. Since then Darchinyan (35-2-1) has gone on to become the first undisputed super flyweight world champion in history and recently picked up the vacant IBO bantamweight world title, fighting the best along the way.
Donaire on the other hand has had to settle for fights against decent contenders and last minute replacements, securing rather easy victories with the exception of the bout against the overweight and unprofessional Rafael Concepcion.
Donaire currently fights in a division surrounded by top quality fighters but has failed to get matched to all but one of them. Omar Andres Narvaez, Hugo Fidel Cazares and Daisuke Naito are all worthy opponents.
Donaire has also stated in the past that he expects to move up in weight. In the division just 3 pounds north there is a plethora of top quality boxers. Fernando Montiel, Yonnhy Perez, Hozumi Hasegawa, Abner Mares, Vic Darchinyan, Joseph Agbeko, Eric Morel and Gerry Penalosa are names that would certainly bring the best out of the Filipino Flash and force him to justify his current position as the fourth best fighter in the world.
It is obvious that Donaire is a gifted boxer, with a perfect combination of both speed and power, a solid chin and the capacity to use his intelligence in the ring. His talents will not last forever and he needs to make the most of them while he can. He has tremendous ability, arguably the best promoter in the sport and numerous potential top quality opponents. The perfect ingredients for a hall of fame career.
Lets hope he stops wasting time and starts fighting at the level he belongs.