How did Donaire struggle with a guy he knocked out before?

Darchinyan fought a very smart fight and avoided donaires left hook for as long as he could. I'm a Donaire fan but to me he just has not improved at all. He just waits to land that big shot. Everytime he throws it's a KO punch, he does not know how to mix up his punches and set up that power punch. It's all homeruns.

When you neutralize his left hook he is not that effective. He is still a problem for anybody because of his power and speed can KO anyone at anytime but man he is so frustrating to watch the way he just waits for that one punch instead of using that speed and athleticism to box.

And yeah I think Rigondeaux took a lot out of his confidence. Even after the win you could tell he's not the same.

 

Absolutely Darc came in with a far better gameplan - steer clear of the left hook, and let Donaire come forward. Added to that, Donaire was questioning himself all night. He's past peak now, and it was probably the Rigo defeat that caused it. Either that, or Ive been sleeping on the fact that Donaire has poor come forward offence and can only counter punch excellently. That being said, I saw poor counter punching last night.

From a disappointed Donaire fan.

 

Their first fight was nearly a draw going into the KO round. People are underrating Vic. People expecting Donaire to walk through Vic and KO him with ease are idiots. Vic waited 6 years for this rematch and prepared very intensely.

 

good post

 

that's exactly what i was thinking. just because you ko a guy once doesn't mean it's gonna be easy the next time. vic said he didn't know donaire the first time they fought. this time he took the time to really study donaire's style and come up with an effective plan...obviously he's been waiting a long time for this and was all pumped up for it...he treated it more like grudge match than donaire did, which explains why he was so effective. also, rigo probably robbed donaire of some of his confidence.

 

Donaire is a great counter puncher, but not a good offensive fighter. He has never been a good offensive fighter, unless the other guy is stationary with a high guard.

Vic did a good job of take a page from Rigo's gameplan. He forced Donaire to lead and Donaire just didn't know how to.

 

The answer is pretty obvious if you watch the fight.

Darchinyan avoided the left hook and was constantly leaning away thus even if Donaire did throw that hook and land it will take much of the impact away. Vic also was very hesitant to throw that right hand for fear of a counter hook, hence the last big left hook Donaire landed came after he countered Vic's right jab. When Vic did throw it was that overhand left, anticipating the counter left hook he ducked as he threw that left therefore Donaire missed with the counter.

Donaire could have used his straight right more as that is obviously the most effective weapon vs the southpaw but he himself was worried with getting countered, Vic was leaning back constantly so for Donaire to land he would have to commit to that right hand bringing his head forward, that would leave him open for Vic's counter left in the process. Both guys had KO power so both were weary.

Vic came in with a better game plan, Donaire went in there expecting Darchinyan to fall into the same trap.

 

2x

 

Because Donaire is a one punch get lucky kind of boxer. He doesn't stop his opponents he is going to struggle for the rest of the fight.We've seen this before. He's just not good offensively or defensively in long stretches of the fight.

He can explode with one punch that can turn the round his way.He always telegraphs is his left hook that's all he does and is one dimensional.He relies on winging one big shots. And they too are becoming
predictable.

 

agree. he needs to get better before even thinking of rematching rigo.

 

Darchinyan took Donaire lightly the first time around. Vic was undefeated after all and
Donaire was an unknown fighter. He walked into the perfect shot in the first fight. That was a springboard for Donaire who has proven to be a good fighter.

Darchinyan knew what to expect the second time around and fought a more cautious fight. Donaire has fallen in love with his power and I would say has regressed. He needs to not just look to KO every opponent off of counter punches.

So OP I'd say it is a mix of Darchinyan knowing his opponent better and Donaire regressing a bit.

 

I agree with all the above.

Donaire was exposed several times already he struggles to box and win 12 rounds

lacks the ability to dominate a boxing match. He can't out work a boxer, he get's hit.

Donaire just manages to win close fights without being impressive. But hey a wins is a win.

Now I hope they hype stops on this kid.