Donaire vs Nishioka: Why Filipino Flash Has Edge in Saturday's Match

It's not a mainstream fight, but the bantamweight match between IBF and WBO champion Nonito Donaire and WBC super bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka won't disappoint.

Nishioka, who has fought in the U.S. just three times, will make it four on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10 p.m. ET at the Home Depot Center in Carson City, California.

The dangerous Japanese fighter hasn't fought since Oct. 2011, meaning he could be a bit rusty when he steps into the ring against the Filipino Flash.

Donaire possesses a rare combination of speed and power, and what makes him so dangerous in the ring is the fact that he can fight righty of lefty—a switch hitter if you will. Because of this unorthodox style of fighting, Donaire is able to keep his hands low and deliver punches from all angles.

The 29-year-old Donaire sports a 29-1 record, highlighted by 18 knockouts, one of which you'll see in this video:

But Nishioka is no stranger to knockouts either, as he sports 24 KOs as part of a 39-4-3 record. 

Respect must be given to the 36-year-old Nishioka, and while I do think this will be a close fight, I'm giving the edge to Donaire.

The Filipino Flash has fought more recently, is younger and faster and is used to fighting in the U.S. I think his fighting style presents a difficult matchup for an aging boxer in Nishioka, since Donaire attacks from so many different points.

Donaire is the one drawing most of the revenue and ticket sales for this fight and I think he'll show exactly why he's the one carrying this fight on Saturday night when he defeats Nishioka to hang on to his titles.

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