Some week’s there’s quality, some week’s there’s quantity. This is definitely more of a quality week. There’s only one world class card and it’s on HBO, a battle between junior featherweights Nonito Donaire and Guillermo Rigondeaux. You’ll have to make do with Juan Diaz’s comeback and a couple of other, lesser events if you’re looking for more televised boxing. The photo has no link to the schedule, it’s just hilarious.
Nonito Donaire vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux, Saturday, HBO, New York
Two of the best in one of the sport’s best weight divisions – what more could you ask for? Donaire vs. Abner Mares? Well that ain’t gonna happen, so shhh, just appreciate this. Tim will have a full preview later in the week – but I’m going to put forward my views on the fight nevertheless. Donaire (31-1, 20 KO) has fought plenty of good opponents, but he’s never fought anyone who could compare to his “phenom” status. I think Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KO) is going to change that. I think he just might win it too. The question is whether he can deal with Donaire’s heavy artillery – because he’ll likely have to if he wants to get his own bombs away. Rigondeaux has sublime skills, though, and scary body punching – so I’m going to back them. I don’t think Donaire is mentally the strongest fighter in the game and he hasn’t been challenged in a long, long time. We have no idea how he’ll react when he’s put somewhere he doesn’t want to be. Rigondeaux can do that.
The Rest. It really is a case of HBO and the rest this week, though seeing long time lightweight favourite Juan “The Baby Bull” Diaz (35-4, 17 KO) return against Pipino Cuevas, Jr. (16-9, 14 KO) on Fox Deportes/FSN on Saturday should be fun. Unless Diaz is seriously diminished, shouldn’t be too hard a night for him… Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 features comebacking junior featherweight Rico Ramos (21-2, 11 KO), once a victim of Rigondeaux himself. He’s up against Oscar Gonzalez (20-2, 14 KO) who has the look of a tough sumbitch… And on ShoBox undefeated Cuban lightweight Angelo Santana (14-0, 11 KO) takes on Bahodir Mamadjonov (12-1, 8 KO) of Uzbekistan in an internationally flavoured clash… Chris John (48-0, 22 KO) defends his featherweight belt in Indonesia on Monday against Satoshi Hosono (23-2, 17 KO), as is his wont.
