Nonito Donaire vs. Fernando Montiel: The Best Matchup in a Long Time

Lately, it seems that boxing has taken a turn for the worse. Since when are we supposed to be happy and excited in anticipation of a semi-decent fight, which happens at most a couple times a year? Not all that long ago, boxing filled an average year with dozens of exciting and important fights. From Muhammad Ali all the way to the Mike Tyson era, boxing was a densely filled sport with talent and heart. Money was mostly on the back burner, while pleasing fans was the main priority. 

Great match-ups don’t happen very often in this day and age, but nevertheless, they still do pop up now and then. One such fight is coming up next weekend at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV. This fight has to be one of the most critically acclaimed and important bouts we have seen in a very long time. On February 19, Nonito Donaire (25-1-0) will face off against Fernando Montiel (44-2-2) for the WBO and the WBC Bantamweight titles. 

Both men are a rarity in boxing today, as they fight with their hearts first. Montiel and Donaire don’t train for the fight, they both live it. 

Ninoto Donaire’s stock soared immensely after his dramatic upset over Vic Darchinyan for the IBF and IBO flyweight titles in July of 2007. Since that day, there were only two fights on everyone’s mind: Vic Darchinyan II or Fernando Montiel. Negotiations for a re-match with Darchinyan were held on numerous occasions, but unfortunately no resolution was ever reached. At that point in time, while staying busy and beating seven opponents, Donaire’s team began serious negotiations with Montiel’s people. 

Meanwhile, Montiel kept doing what he knows how to do best: knock out his own challengers. Fighting an average of three fights a year, Montiel was able to secure wins over Z Gorres (26-1-1) and Rafael Conception (14-4-1). 

Now, after three years since the Darchinyan fight, Nonito Donaire will finally fight the most important fight of his career. For Montiel, the significance of this fight is not any different than it is for Donaire. This is easily the most dangerous opposition for both men, as Donaire and Montiel posses evident knockout power, with KO percentage of 65% and 71% respectively. 

Nonito Donaire is a very technical fighter; as a matter of fact I would say he is the most technically sound fighter in boxing today. Donaire’s adaptability and strategy use remind me of a younger Bernard Hopkins: he can swiftly adjust to any style inside the ring, and masterfully take advantage of his opponent’s flaws. Donaire’s physical attributes are exceedingly impressive; he is fast and very precise. His footwork is flawless, and his ability to take angles is world class. With a tremendous coach in Robert Garcia, Donaire can turn into something the boxing fans have all been waiting for. 

“I think Montiel will be the toughest guy I have ever faced. He knows what he’s doing and he’s been beating guys at the top of the weight class. I know that he’s up there and is capable of anything. I think I’ve faced guys that are tougher and more relentless, but he’s the best all around fighter that I’ve faced.” – Nonito Donaire, Fightnews.com

For Fernando Montiel, a long time champion and a household name for many Mexican boxing fans, this is the ultimate opportunity to prove to the world his true dominance. I have given some thought to whom Montiel could fight instead of Donaire expecting the same impact, and came out with nothing. Montiel is relentless and ambitious. He often presses the action without abandoning his defense and sticking to his strategic plan. I have watched hours of video on Montiel, and became very impressed with his ability to stay very consistent throughout his fights, ultimately chasing his opponents down and taking them apart until they are forced to swing for the bell, making it that much easier for Montiel to deliver his power blows. In his fight against Donaire, he is clearly the seasoned champion with all the tools needed to win the fight.

“He’s obviously a fighter with a lot of speed and is very intelligent. My question is what happens when he faces a guy who is just as good he is. This is the first time he’ll face someone just as fast and intelligent as he is.” – Fernando Montiel, Fightnews.com

This fight should not, better said, cannot be missed. Stylistically this has to be one of the best match-ups I have seen in a very long time. These fighters in the same ring undoubtedly guarantee explosive action all the way to the end, whatever round that may be. Both are coming in with their hearts heated, their bodies tested and optimized, and adrenaline fueling the rest. Both Donaire and Montiel will cross the ropes on February 19, and both will leave with an already altered future. 

I can hypothesize that Montiel will be the aggressor throughout the entire fight, while Donaire takes the back seat, mixing up lateral movement with counterpunching. Montiel’s master plan would likely include getting Donaire closer to the ropes and corners, while cutting off the ring preventing too much motion. Landing power shots on a semi-stationary Donaire is the direct route to victory for Fernando Montiel. 

Donaire’s remarkable upper body defensive maneuvering along with his smooth footwork will be Montiel’s kryptonite. I can see Montiel winning any brawl that the fight might bring, but other than that, his will be chasing a ghost in Donaire. Some may think that I am suggesting that Nonito Donaire is simply unhittable, and despite the criticism this may provoke, that’s exactly what I am saying. Styles make fights, and Donaire’s movement paired with very precise punching will provide enough to win this fight. 

I have the utmost respect for Fernando Montiel, but I am confident in my pick of Nonito Donaire by a UD, and possibly even a late round knockout. 

So tune in to HBO next Saturday February 19, 2011, and witness history take place. Will Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel’s ring experience and past dominance be enough to win the fight, or will the young hope Nonito "The Filipino Flash” Donaire prove to the world that he is here to claim the top spot for good? 

Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally. – David Frost