Donaire vs Rigondeaux: Jackal Makes Case for Top Pound-for-Pound Fighter

Nonito Donaire came into his match on Saturday night as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. However, it is his opponent, Guillermo Rigondeaux, that is now in that conversation.

The Cuban fighter earned the WBO Super Bantamweight title after dominating Donaire for 12 rounds at Radio City Music Hall. Rigondeaux was declared the winner by unanimous decision, and there was little debate about the results following the match.

It is important not to take this final lightly, as this was not just an up-and-coming fighter winning another match. The former champ is as good as they come in the sport, and he was embarrassed on Saturday.

Entering the bout, Donaire had won 30 fights in a row, with 19 of them coming by knockout. The only time he lost was the second match of his career back in 2001.

After four wins in 2012, the Filipino Flash was considered by many as one of the best in the sport. According to The Ring, he was listed as the No. 6 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Matt Aguilar of the El Paso Times argued that he would be the "next pound-for-pound king" after Floyd Mayweather calls it quits.

Despite all of these distinctions, it was clear after the latest bout that Rigondeaux was even better. 

The Cuban defector was widely regarded as the top amateur fighter the world had seen in a long time. He won two gold medals at the Olympics in 2000 and 2004, plus gold medals at the World Amateur Championships in 2001 and 2005.

This got him noticed by plenty of big-name people in the boxing world, including trainer Freddie Roach, who said of Rigondeaux (via Igor Guryashkin of ESPN):

"

He's the best counterpuncher I've ever seen. When I did the pads with him, I simply could not get through his defense. I tried. I couldn't, though...He's one of the greatest talents I've ever seen.

"

Still, many did not put him in the same class as the professionals, even after starting his pro career in 2009. After 12 wins to start his career, it is time that people take notice.

Rigondeaux's excellent defense and strong counters make him a tough matchup for anyone who fights him. This might keep opponents away from the talented boxer, but at this point we know who would win.

It remains to be seen where the 32-year-old fighter will turn for his next fight. However, the unified champion has very little to prove. 

He easily defeated one of the top competitors in the sport and has now shown that he is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. 

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