By James Slater: As soon as the fans got their breath back after Filipino’s second biggest boxing star scored that sensational 2nd-round KO of Mexico’s Fernando Montiel, the question was who would the 28-year-old fight next. “The Filipino Flash” said his preference, before moving up in weight in search of further glory, would be to try and win another title at his current weight of bantamweight. And now, according to Cameron Dunkin in talking with Ringtv.com, this is what will likely happen.
Talks are going well with regards to a fight between Donaire, the WBC and WBO 118-pound ruler, and Panama’s Anselmo Moreno, the WBA belt holder. A good fight on paper, and possibly a much tougher one for Donaire than his last fight proved to be, Donaire-Moreno could happen on May 28th, in Oakland, CA.
“[Bob] Arum offered us the fight,” Donaire manager Dunkin said. “We’d like to go May 28th in the Bay area, most likely Oakland, on HBO. Arum tells me the fight is pretty much on.”
25-year-old Moreno, known as “Chemito,” is a proven talent himself, if not one as spectacular as Doniare. A southpaw, the Panamanian has held the WBA title since May of 2008 and he has made a most respectable seven retentions. And Moreno, 30-1-1(10) has seen off some good men. Tomas Rojas, the current WBC super-flyweight champ was out-pointed in a non-title bout, and Volodmyr Sydorenko was twice out-pointed by Moreno. Also, Frenchman Mahyar Monsipour – the man who gave us that unbelievably great war with Somsak Sithchatchawal – was out-pointed.
The different type of performances Moreno and Donaire put on against Ukraine’s Sydorenko do jump out when comparing the two future rivals. Moreno had to settle for two close decision wins, while when he met Sydorenko, in his fight before Montiel, Donaire blew his man away in just four-rounds. The difference in punch power may well tell the story on May 28th.
Moreno, who will enjoy a considerable height advantage over Donaire, has never been stopped, and he hasn’t been defeated since way back in 2002. Usually when a fighter possesses such impressive credentials, a close, highly competitive fight is anticipated. However, we are talking about a truly exceptional talent in Donaire – already ranked as high as #3 in some Pound-for-Pound lists. As good and as proven as Moreno is, another blistering Donaire KO cannot in any way be ruled out. In fact, some fans will possibly be expecting another brutal display.
Moreno is already talking a great fight, and he does have that height to go along with his fine skills. There is also nothing wrong with his chin. But will any fan be willing to predict anything other than another great night for Donaire in May?
Winner of his last four by stoppage, will Donaire’s KO streak be ended by Moreno?