Who are the Top 3 Fighters at Bantamweight when Inoue Vacates?

[TheIronMike]

Who fills the void?

1. Rodriguez
2. Donaire
3. Casimero

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Casimero has also moved to 122.

I’d say: Donaire, Rodriguez and Moloney.

[famicommander]

Donaire should move down to 115 and try to get a strap there. He has accomplished all he can at 118.

If he gets a strap at 115 he becomes a 5 division major titlist. Only Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao are on that list right now.

[TheIronMike]

Donaire should move down to 115 and try to get a strap there. He has accomplished all he can at 118.

If he gets a strap at 115 he becomes a 5 division major titlist. Only Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao are on that list right now.

think he'll have an issue doing that at his age?

[famicommander]

think he'll have an issue doing that at his age?

I really don't think he'd have an issue. He moved back down to 118 pretty comfortably and actually looked rejuvenated doing it. I think he should target Fernando Martinez (IBF titlist) or the winner of Ioka/Franco (WBO/WBA unification). Ioka has looked pretty washed the last few years and Martinez beat a weak champion in Ancajas.

[TheIronMike]

I really don't think he'd have an issue. He moved back down to 118 pretty comfortably and actually looked rejuvenated doing it. I think he should target Fernando Martinez (IBF titlist) or the winner of Ioka/Franco (WBO/WBA unification). Ioka has looked pretty washed the last few years and Martinez beat a weak champion in Ancajas.

No doubt in my mind Donaire cracks Martinez! Might be a good idea!

[famicommander]

No doubt in my mind Donaire cracks Martinez! Might be a good idea!

It's the biggest move he could make for his legacy at this point. I don't think there's enough time to fully unify 118 like he wanted to; those belts will be tied up in mandatories and eliminators for years after Inoue vacates.

But he could get that 115 strap in a single fight, and in doing so put himself on a six man list with Hitman, SRL, DLH, Floyd, and Manny. That's a simple way of making even casual fans understand just how great Donaire's career has been.