Nonito Donaire vs. Nicholas Walters
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
This is a fascinating fight because it raises two questions–what does Nonito Donaire have left, and is Nicholas Walters the truth?
The answers will decide the winner. Donaire has been on shaky ground for a couple of years now. Guillermo Rigondeaux embarrassed him. That much is forgivable, because Rigondeaux is phenomenal. But scarier than that was the fact that he was being soundly outboxed–OUTBOXED–by Vic Darchinyan in their rematch before Donaire caught him (again) with a nasty left hook to pull out the victory.
Walters also smashed Darchinyan, but that’s about the only notable win on his resume. He clearly can hit pretty hard, but can he dent an elite fighter? We won’t know until Saturday. My feeling is that Donaire’s issues have been more about his disinterest in fighting than an erosion of skills.
If he can’t get up for this fight, he’d better find another line of work. I’m picking Donaire to stave off early retirement and win by knockout in a fantastic fight.
Prediction: Donaire
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
I am taking the young gun, Nicholas Walters in this fight. I respect Nonito Donaire’s resume and what he’s accomplished, but maybe his prime is over.
Maybe Rigo took more from him than those belts. Or maybe he got complacent, relying on his speed and power, instead of strengthening his weakness. It’s hard to get to the top, and even harder to remain.
The lesser known Walters has a lot to prove considering the way he publicly declared he’s the “big fish” at 126. We shall see. He has the makings of what could be a solid career, but the competition level changes significantly when you face a Donaire, or a Vic Darchinyan and beat them, even if they are past their primes.
I think he’s got the tools to dismantle a past-his-prime version of Donaire. However, it is certainly possible that Doniare could over come this slump and reestablish his legacy.
Prediction: Walters
Rob Anthony, Contributing Writer
Nonito Donaire hasn’t fought elite competition since he lost to Guillermo Rigondeaux. This is his chance to win back some of the luster he lost from that fight.
Nicholas Walters is tough, but hasn’t really been in the ring with someone that has top notch punching power like the “Filipino Flash.”
If Nonito can flash some of his amazing pop and hit Walters with some flush shots, this will put him back on the course of being a guy to possibly replace Manny Pacquiao as a main stage fighter.
I predict a tough and rugged fight with Donaire winning a hard fought decision.
Prediction: Donaire
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I like Nicholas Walters to beat Nonito Donaire.
Donaire seems like he has slowed down a bit, standing more flat-footed. Not a good idea against the heavy handed Walters. I think it will be action packed while it lasts and may steal the entire show.
Prediction: Walters
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve been going back-and-forth regarding what I feel the outcome of this fight will be. I think that when it comes down to it, I just haven’t been all that impressed with how Nonito Donaire has looked in any fight since being taken to school by Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Nicholas Walters will not be taking Donaire to Cuban school, but he has the power to send Donaire to the hospital. I think Donaire’s reflexes have slowed a bit in recent fights and against Walters that could be disastrous.
If Donaire is beaten to the punch often and hit cleanly by Walters, it’ll be a short night for the former top five pound-for-pound fighter.
Prediction: Walters
