By Lyle Fitzsimmons - Good for Nonito Donaire.
Even though the “Filipino Flash” looked comprehensively ordinary for eight rounds against repeat foil Vic Darchinyan on Saturday night in Corpus Christi, he still managed to get all his ducks in a row before the subpar performance really cost him anything substantial.
He woke up the echoes of a banner 2012 in the ninth round, dropping the Australia-based Armenian to his knees with a sweeping left hook and following up with a clever barrage that ultimately prompted referee Laurence Cole to intervene at 2:06 of the session.
Given that two judges had him well behind with only two rounds to go, it was clear the stoppage came just in time to save the fight. And given the commentary spewed by analyst HBO’s Max Kellerman as the bout progressed, it was exactly what was needed to save his street cred, too.
Few would question that it was cause for revelry for an emotionally relieved competitor.
But it wasn’t long before that revelry wrote a check his skills show no evidence he’ll cash.
Upon being asked by Kellerman who’d provide the perfect encore to a second defeat of the awkward “Raging Bull” in six years, Donaire clearly let the amalgam of euphoria, testosterone and concussion get the better of him before issuing a more reasoned reply. [Click Here To Read More]
Even though the “Filipino Flash” looked comprehensively ordinary for eight rounds against repeat foil Vic Darchinyan on Saturday night in Corpus Christi, he still managed to get all his ducks in a row before the subpar performance really cost him anything substantial.
He woke up the echoes of a banner 2012 in the ninth round, dropping the Australia-based Armenian to his knees with a sweeping left hook and following up with a clever barrage that ultimately prompted referee Laurence Cole to intervene at 2:06 of the session.
Given that two judges had him well behind with only two rounds to go, it was clear the stoppage came just in time to save the fight. And given the commentary spewed by analyst HBO’s Max Kellerman as the bout progressed, it was exactly what was needed to save his street cred, too.
Few would question that it was cause for revelry for an emotionally relieved competitor.
But it wasn’t long before that revelry wrote a check his skills show no evidence he’ll cash.
Upon being asked by Kellerman who’d provide the perfect encore to a second defeat of the awkward “Raging Bull” in six years, Donaire clearly let the amalgam of euphoria, testosterone and concussion get the better of him before issuing a more reasoned reply. [Click Here To Read More]
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