Nonito Donaire vs. Zsolt Bedak: Fight Time, Date and TV Info

Brian MaziqueApr 21, 2016

WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire (36-3, 23 KO) will return to the ring on Saturday in Cebu, Philippines. Zsolt Bedak (25-1, 8 KO) will provide the opposition in what could turn out to be a slugfest. Bedak will be getting his second crack at a world title.

Back in 2010, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. stopped Bedak in a brutal battle. The 32-year-old Hungarian hopes to have better luck with this opportunity.

Here's the viewing information:

Last Time Out

Donaire Bests Rugged Juarez

Back in December, after dominating Cesar Juarez in the early rounds, Donaire was tested in a major way in the latter frames. Juarez's granite chin withstood several crushing blows from The Filipino Flash. Like a machine, Juarez kept coming back for more, and he wore Donaire down and got the best of him late.

However, Donaire had built such a large lead on the scorecards that the deficit was impossible for Juarez to overcome. Donaire earned the unanimous-decision win, but it was probably a lot tougher than he expected.

Prior to Saturday's bout, Donaire talked about having his sights set on the best fighters in his weight region. Per ESPN.com's Dan Rafael, Donaire said: "I want to be the best in my division, so I seek to fight the best out there from [Carl] Frampton to [Guillermo] Rigondeaux."

Bedak isn't on either of those guys' level, but Donaire learned from his scrape with Juarez that he can't afford to take any opponent lightly.

Bedak Outpoints Otieno

Bedak last fought in September 2015, when he easily defeated 42-year-old Nick Otieno. The latter came into the fight with a modest 29-10 record. Otieno is the equivalent of a club fighter, and the fight was basically a stay-busy bout for Bedak.

While Bedak hasn't faced top-notch competition, he only has the one loss to Vazquez on his record. He's a tough customer who will not lie down for Donaire. Heart and will alone won't be enough to get the job done.

Prediction

Kin Cheung/Associated Press

Donaire's speed is the biggest weapon in this fight. Vazquez outclassed Bedak primarily on his edge in quickness. Donaire is even more explosive than Vazquez.

In recent fights, Donaire has had a tendency to lean on his big left hook too heavily. This has led to exciting fights, but it's also provided an opening for opponents who might not have otherwise been competitive with Donaire.

Against Bedak, that bad habit won't cost Donaire. He's so superior when it comes to speed and overall boxing acumen that he'll likely become the second man to defeat Bedak via stoppage.

Look for Donaire to win by seventh-round TKO.