Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Nonito Donaire vs. Vic Darchinyan
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
This fight will only be a replay of their first fight. Darchinyan hasn’t really evolved as a fighter. There is no difference in his style, which is pretty much tailored for Donaire. Darchinyan often repeats his combinations, which will make him too predictable and vulnerable for the Filipino flash to counter all night. I have this bout a TKO in the 8th for Nonito.
Prediction: Donaire
Juan Carlos Burgos, Contributing Writer
This rematch has been years in the making and it took Nonito Donaire losing to Rigo for Vic Darchinyan to finally get the rematch he has sought for so long. Unfortunately for Darchinyan I think this rematch is a few years late for him. Donaire is a gifted fighter, but has the ability to stink it up. Darchinyan must stay within himself and the fact that he has wanted this fight so bad for so long may actually work against him. Although Donaire is coming off surgery he is finally granting Darchinyan the rematch because he suspects the older fighters best days are behind him. I see Donaire playing the “Matador” to Darchinyan’s “Raging Bull” and possibly gaining another stoppage.
Prediction: Donaire
Rob Anthony, Contributing Writer
Nonito Donaire should be able to handle a passed his prime Vic Darchinian. It’s a rematch of their first fight from seven years ago when Darchinian was rolling through the division and was a hot and prime fighter. This time around I expect a healthy and focused Filipino Flash to be better prepared, and hungry to look good after taking an ugly loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux earlier this year.
Prediction: Donaire
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Although Nonito Donaire had built himself all the way up to a top five pound-for-pound ranking, his recent loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux now has some boxing fans questioning his ability. Boxing is all about “what have you done for me lately and the most recent memory that fans have of Donaire is him getting schooled by El Chacal. I think Donaire will be in top shape and focused on knocking Vic Darchinyan out in spectacular fashion. Darchinyan wants to prove that this rematch isn’t coming too late in his career, but that will be tough to do. Darchinyan is a stalker and that will play into Donaire’s hands. I expect Donaire to score a big, one-sided victory.
Prediction: Donaire
