Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I apologize for being absent lately. Between preparing for the birth of my second child and being obsessed with the ‘Melodrama that my beloved New York Knicks are entrenched in, I have not written as often as I’d like.
But to quote Eddie Murphy’s legendary Beverly Hills Cop Axel Foley, "I’m back!!!"
As fate would have it, I do not have an easy fight on my hands to predict. This is the biggest fight between little men this side of Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa.
I truly feel that when Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel (44-2-2, 34 KOs) defends his WBC/WBO bantamweight title against Filipino sensation Nonito Donaire (25-1, 17 KOs) fight fans are being treated to one helluva fight.
Unlike the stinker that was the Devon Alexander vs. Timothy Bradley unification bout, Donaire-Montiel promises to be much more entertaining. Like Alexander and Bradley, both Donaire and Montiel are boxer-punchers. However, the latter two are more inclined to punch than box.
Although I do expect a fair share of scintillating exchanges, I think the fighter who boxes better will win the fight. And if I were to pick one, that fighter would be Donaire. And not because he’s necessarily a better, natural boxer.
Few boxers, Donaire included, can match Montiel’s athleticism, foot speed and hand speed. But for what he lacks in those categories in comparison to Montiel, Donaire is the naturally bigger man with the all-important equalizer – the jab.
In what promises to be a nip-and-tuck battle, look for The Filipino Flash to eke out a close decision against Cochulito in two weeks.
reynm says
These two are both thinking fighters and there will be chess match between them. Yes, the jab of Nonito is powerful coz he’s a natural southpaw. I think, the faster fighter with better reflexes and timing will have the chance to win the bout. Guess who?
Ja Dawson says
@reynm It’s a tough call no doubt, and I am sensing that you’re leaning towards to Montiel. Great fight for boxing purists, and I’m just happy to see a good fight given boxing’s inconsistent fight offerings.