Nonito Donaire: More Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquaio?

Nonito Donaire was born in the Philippines and attended the same school Manny Pacquaio attended growing up. He moved to the United States when he was 10 years old but stands firm on his Filipino roots. Nicknamed the Filipino Flash, Nonito is currently the No. 4 pound for pound fighter in the world, according to Ring Magazine.              

In 2009, Fanhouse boxing writer Nancy Gay asked the question: Is Nonito Donaire the next Manny Pacquaio?

Donaire told Fanhouse, “It pushes me and inspires me to do my best and to keep looking forward, like Manny Pacquiao does. We want to make the Filipino people proud."

After his impressive performance last night, I think the Filipino people have a lot to be proud of.

Donaire (25-1) earned a fourth round stoppage over Volodymr Sidorenko. From the opening bell, Donaire displayed his versatility as a boxer setting up his power shots off a stiff jab. What really impressed me was his patience and ring presence. Donaire is best known because of a left-hook knockout of previously undefeated defending champion Vic Darchinyan.

Last night, he showcased he has comparable power in both hands by ending the fight with a powerful overhand right setup by a lead left hook. Sidorenko took a knee after taking a shot to the nose, and the referee correctly ended the contest.

The Filipino Flash has made me a believer and last night I became a fan. I think he lived up to his pound for pound ranking. He displayed his closing ability as well as poise when having a fighter hurt. He has the complete package, and now that he is teaming up with trainer Robert Garcia, it's assumable he will only get better. He has knock out power, but is a great counter puncher with exceptional footwork!

Nonito Donaire is looking ahead at his HBO debut on Feb. 19, 2011. He will be facing Fernando Montiel, the WBO and WBC Bantamweight Champion. Just like Manny Pacquaio, Donaire is represented by Bob Arum owner of Top Rank Promotions.

Ironically, Nonito’s style resembles Floyd Mayweather Jr. more than Manny Pacquaio. He is more of a slick boxer versus Pacquaio's brawler boxer style. Last night proved he knows how to win fights without putting himself in harm’s way, which I thought was very impressive.