Who’s next for Donaire?

By Vitali Shaposhnikov: This past Saturday, February 19, 2011, I had the pleasure of joining a small army of Filipino and Mexican boxing fans for the Nonito Donaire (26-1-27) vs. Fernando Montiel (44-3-2) fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In my previous articles, I gave a personal prediction of a definite win and a probable knockout for Donaire. Most import was the reason that I gave for this confident prediction, which was Donaire’s overwhelming speed compared to that of Montiel’s.

From the very beginning of the fight to the second round left hook that knocked Montiel out, Donaire’s awe-inspiring speed was evident. Montiel was unable to offer anything that would pose a threat to the quick footed and lightening fast handed Donaire.

Montiel seemed legitimately hurt after the knockout, and went straight to the hospital. He suffered multiple injuries, which were all more serious than mild. I hope Montiel recovers swiftly and without any lagging effects, and gets back into the ring for more years of a healthy career.

While calling this fight competitive is impossible to do, it is this very fight that puts Donaire in a whole different category. His spot in the pound-for-pound ranking is not only solidified, but elevated as well. Donaire proved that he is not only one of the fastest fighters in boxing today (thanks to his speed coach Remi Korchemny), but also possesses knockout power in both hands.

So what’s next for Donaire? Will he wait for the Joseph Agbeko (28-2-0) vs. Abner Mares (21-0-1) winner? Will he go to Japan to fight for a title? Or will he move up to 122 lbs and start making history in other weight classes? I will let Donaire answer that in the interview provided below.

After the bout, I was able to take some post-fight press conference videos. Not only that, but the day after the fight, I joined Nonito and his wife Rachel Donaire at their new Las Vegas condominium, where family and friends were celebrating Donaire’s sensational win over Fernando Montiel.

Please enjoy the videos:
1-on-1 with Nonito Donaire After The Montiel Fight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMMZCxTtiAY)

Donaire vs Montiel Press Conference Clips (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymZbUaRmrP8)

Donaire’s Family and New Home
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JljRtbMGAGU)

Interview with Nonito’s Doctor
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9HXm-ti7SA)