ONCE again the styles makes fights aphorism in boxing held sway last Sunday.
Nonito Donaire (38-5, 24 KOs) had his moments in spurts but overall, Carl Frampton ( 25-1, 14 KOs) put on the better show and won via unanimous decision to annex the interim WBO featherweight crown.
THE FIGHT. Frampton was aggressive early while Donaire seemed content to counterpunch and landed some body shots.
Frampton would proceed to takeover the fight from round two onwards by being the busier fighter.
He was deceptively quick and utilized lateral movement to avoid Donaire’s punches.
The way he fought reminded me of UFC fighter Frankie Edgar who also employed a similar awkward, albeit effective rhythm that threw opponents off their gameplan.
Donaire had difficulty getting off his punches. Perhaps it was also his age coming into play as he seemed unable to pull the trigger at times or maybe it was a combination of both.
Whatever the case, “The Filipino Flash” was simply outworked for majority of the rounds.
He would land a few hard, telling punches throughout the fight, but these were too few to turn the tide in his favor.
He came alive in the championship rounds-with Frampton admitting afterwards that he felt Donaire’s power, but in the end the judges deservedly gave the verdict in favor of the local fighter.
DECLINE. At age 35 I’ll give Donaire his props in that he hasn’t lost much unlike other fighters past their primes, but the inevitable decline is already there.
He gave it his all against a youger opponent but it just wasn’t good enough.
Afterwards he was very gracious in defeat and hinted at a possible move back down to junior featherweight.
I agree to that and would hasten to add: It’s always a style thing- pick a brawler, not a mover.
VERBATIM. “I didn’t have to get involved in a fight. Donaire is a dangerous mother for 12 rounds. I stuck to a game plan. My boxing was beautiful...The 11th round I was definitely hurt. I’d like to say what a nice man, Donaire”- Carl Frampton (mirror.co.uk)
LAST ROUND. It’s on my Latagaw brod, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera who celebrates his birthday this week. Cheers!