By James Slater: Filipino sensation Nonito Donaire, currently nursing a badly damaged left hand which was left covered with blood during his 12-round points win over Wilfredo Vazquez Junior (somehow scored a split decision for “The Filipino Flash” when it appeared to most people that a wide UD would have been way more accurate), is now looking towards his next fight.
The new WBO super-bantam champ says he will “definitely be staying at 122 for a while,” and exciting fights with the likes of Jorge Arce, Guillermo Rigondeaux (who was at the Donaire-Vazquez Jr fight, no doubt scouting) and Toshiaki Nishioka are reportedly in the pipeline.
Promoter Bob Arum, in speaking with ESPN.com, appeared to be leaning towards a fight with the always-colourful Arce next, however.
“Let’s see what happens with his hand first,” Arum said, speaking about Nonito. “That will determine everything, but depending on the timing, we want him to face Arce next.”
Hopefully the hand injury will not bee too serious. The last thing the exciting, ultra-talented 29-year-old needs now is another enforced layoff. For much of 2011, Donaire spent time idle due to promotional issues and it is to be hoped no further months are wasted due to the hand. Now 28-1(18) and looking to further solidify his status as one of the greats, Donaire will be hoping he can get back in action by the summer.
Who would make his best next opponent?
Arce: The thrill-a-minute Mexican known as “Travieso” must get past Lorenzo Parra in a ten-rounder scheduled for Feb. 18th, but assuming he does it could be Donaire next. Arce, 59-6-2(45) wants the fight, Arums wants it and it’s certain the fans would like to see it. Fireworks are guaranteed!
Rigondeaux: The gifted Cuban southpaw is just 9-0(7) as a pro, yet he already holds the WBA super-bantam title. This one, if it happened, would possibly be more of a chess-match, technical type of fight but the purists would love it.
Nishioka: Another southpaw, Japan’s reigning WBC 122-pound king got a lot of U.S fan attention last time out when he beat the great Rafael Marquez by decision. 39-4-3(24), Nishioka has not lost since way back in 2004. Arguably the toughest foe of the three for Donaire.
Whoever “The Filipino Flash” fights next, and wherever the fight is held, the fans will be tuning in. A definite P-4-P star, Donaire may even be the successor to the superstar that is Manny Pacquiao!