Thin Technical observations on Brandon Rios, and Nonito Donaire.

Two very different fights last night. Both were equally intreuging, if not equally entertaining.

First we were treated to Rios vs Alvarado. Now all to often in Boxing we're promised a quality show, a war. Nobody wanted to jinx it but as mentioned by Max Kellerman last night, this fight was as close as you could get, to gauranteeing a great fight. It didn't dissapoint.

Firstly, I think the stoppage was premature. Yes Alvarado was hurt, but he recovered very quickly. If you look at the point of stoppage, Alvarado had his hands up and was in the process of initiating a clinch as Rios stepped away. In fairness to Pat Russell (the Ref) Alvarado looked right at him for help, after taking a right hand from Rios. Also Mr Russell impressed me with 'I want to take a fighter out into deep water, but I do NOT want to drown them.' When we're caught up in the emotion of savagery, it's easy to forget that fighters are humans, who need to be protected. Alvarado could of gone on for me, but I have no major complaint.

Let's look at Rios :

He still looked ill at the weigh in. This kid will never be great at cutting weight. What's important is how he recovers. He re-hydrates to a point where he can take a solid shot, which is obviously vital given his style. As far as physical strength goes, he impressed me last night on the inside, where if he wasn't the stronger of the two, he was at the very least able to plant his feet and hold his ground.

Footwork doesn't warrant technical discussion here. Both guys feet were set to full frontal assault. With the rare exception of Alvarado, who would look for distance to dictate with a jab, before losing discipline and falling into a war again.

Alvarado implied a form of shoulder roll defence in this fight. Only giving Rios half of his body to swing at. What this did highlight was Rios' ability to work his left hand over and over from unorthodox angles. Watch Rios get close, and throw a left hook to the body, then from there he doesn't draw his hand back, he forces it upwards to clock Alvarado in the head. The original punch gets Rios hand behind the guard, he then keeps it behind the guard and powers his way north. The variation on his left hand was his greatest scoring wepon last night.

Sad thing is that Rios can box, and where as we all love being entertained, this kid will have a terrible life after Boxing, unless he can start defending himself better. Sadly I doubt he'll ever have the discipline to do that.

Rios should stay away from Matthysee because he'd be stretchered out. I would however, love to see him fight Lamont Peterson.

Now let's look at Donaire :

For weeks now, Nonito had been calling Nishioka the best fighter in his division. Now it's apparent that the Japanese fighter is way past his best and not as good as messers Mares, Moreno or Rigondeaux. We all bit with curiosity though didn't we. Nishioka hadn't lost in eight years and had a good win over the ever game Rafa Marquez in his last fight.

First thing I noticed was the size difference. I don't know Donaire's ring weight but I'd guess it to me the mid 130's. Nishioka on the other hand can't of been much more than 126lbs. Donaire is a big guy, with speed and power, a hell of a combination.

Now, let's be clear. Nishoka came in more concerned with not getting hit, than with hitting Donaire. The fight was frustrating, especially given the Ward-Gatti esque fight we were treated to directly beforehand. Nishoka came out with his right hand (His lead hand, seeing as he's a southpaw) way up high. Clearly to negate the left hook of Donaire, the same one which blew Montiel away. The answer for Donaire would of been to invest to the body, but if the American/Fillipino has a flaw, it's that he doesn't do that. So Donaire comes out and sets pace with his jab, throwing the occasional combination which is fended off by Nishioka who is firmly set on defence. Donaire takes the first several rounds on activity.

One thing to note is the footwork of Donaire, the man has very quick legs. His feet allowed him to maintain offensive initative no matter which way Nishioka turned.

After the first knockdown, Nishioka decided to come forwards. He actually had minor success, primarily with the right jab, yet with the straight left too, but his shots didn't see to bother the much heavier Donaire. Now the finish really is clever from Nonito...

He backs up against the ropes, and Nishioka throws a few jabs, Donaire watches the first two and gauges the timing of them, also allowing Nishioka to settle into an offensive rythm, thus taking his mind off of defense at last. With the final jab, Donaire shoots his right hand at the same time, dropping the Japanese fighter, who's corner seemed happy to pull him out. No point in Nishioka taking a beating when he can collect his cheque, and retire.

Donaire from here, should be looking at one of the three big guns in his division. Failing that, he really should chase Chris John. John is ripe for the taking and has been fighting stiffs for years. Taking the Indonesian's 0 would look very impressive, and set up bigger matchups at 126.

 

Happy Birthday :happy:happy:happy

 

As mentioned he CAN Box.


Kid just loves to fight, we all saw the smile on his face.

 

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Donaire looked SO much bigger!