So...why did donaire look so lost in that fight?

[Dr Rumack]

I think he was as dismissive of Rigondeaux as he appeared in the lead up to the fight, and he probably believed that he could force Rigo to fight at his pace. One of the most amazing things watching the fight was seeing how Donaire was reduced to the same role occupied by guys like Marroquin, waiting, waiting, waiting on the outside for just the right moment to attack, and missing almost every time he did. Once guys get a taste of Rigo's power it just changes everything. This guy just will not be pushed out of his comfort zone and you'll eat a lot of hard and accurate shots trying to make that happen.

Garcia was trying to get him to follow up and throw 3-4 shots when he moved inside, but the reality was he took stinging shots whenever he tried to do that. The problem for Donaire wasn't just that he struggled to set shots up and get Rigo to engage, it was that he was actually losing the exchanges as well. That burst of activity at the end of Round 4 being a perfect example.

[The Big Dunn]

I see a lot of ppl talking about rigondeaux and he deserves it(although a good portion of it is overblown). but what happened to donaire. a few things imo. 1 and the most obvious is this was a battle between two counterpunchers. in a battle between two fighters of this type, its usually the faster, more skilled and more reflexive guy that wins. and in the end, rigondeaux was all of those things. so because of that, and because of donaires inability to change his style, he had no answers.

The next issue is that donaire doesnt throw any combinations. hes not a combo puncher. at all. he loads up on big shots, sometimes forgetting to set traps and he tries to take his opponent out. he finally ran into someone with a highly competent defense. it was simply nearly impossible for him to pull off anything. Finally donaires offense is stagnant at times as noted, but his defense is also pretty suspect. he gets hit a lot and his head movement is lacking at times and his foot work is more designed around offense than it is defense. i think rigondeaux was just the perfect storm, a fighter that donaire simply would never have been able to overcome

Nonito answered this after the fight. His shoulder has had bad ligaments for 3 fights/years that require surgery. He struggled making weight. He didn't prepare for the fight. He got ****** in the end. Also Jim Lampley added that Nonito was out late Thursday getting his FOTY award and he was really busy selling the fight to fans over the past few weeks. It had little to do with "the beautiful boxing" that Rigo gave him.

[Kagami Taiga]

Nonito answered this after the fight. His shoulder has had bad ligaments for 3 fights/years that require surgery. He struggled making weight. He didn't prepare for the fight. He got ****** in the end. Also Jim Lampley added that Nonito was out late Thursday getting his FOTY award and he was really busy selling the fight to fans over the past few weeks. It had little to do with "the beautiful boxing" that Rigo gave him.

Lol, I know u don't believe all of this rite?

[Cinci Champ]

these fighters these days are so used people telling them they are unbeatable that they start believing it its hard to argue that donaire was extremely high headed and ****y coming into the fight. his own worst enemy

[blak81]

I see a lot of ppl talking about rigondeaux and he deserves it(although a good portion of it is overblown). but what happened to donaire. a few things imo. 1 and the most obvious is this was a battle between two counterpunchers. in a battle between two fighters of this type, its usually the faster, more skilled and more reflexive guy that wins. and in the end, rigondeaux was all of those things. so because of that, and because of donaires inability to change his style, he had no answers.

The next issue is that donaire doesnt throw any combinations. hes not a combo puncher. at all. he loads up on big shots, sometimes forgetting to set traps and he tries to take his opponent out. he finally ran into someone with a highly competent defense. it was simply nearly impossible for him to pull off anything. Finally donaires offense is stagnant at times as noted, but his defense is also pretty suspect. he gets hit a lot and his head movement is lacking at times and his foot work is more designed around offense than it is defense. i think rigondeaux was just the perfect storm, a fighter that donaire simply would never have been able to overcome

I believe Jim Lampley summed it up perfectly during the fight. He wasn't aware of what he was going up against.

He saw Rigo get dropped by Cordoba and wobbled twice by Marroquin. Before the fight all he talked about was how much power he has and how Rigo's chin is suspect. Because of that and how he has KO'd other opponents, he assumed once he touched Rigo, the fight was over.

I don't think he thought about what he should do if he doesn't. All that "I didn't study" was BS. In 2 interviews he was quoted saying Rigo does the same thing over and over again and that he also believe Rigo earned his shot after watching his fights. You don't come to those 2 conclusions without studying tape.

[The Big Dunn]

Lol, I know u don't believe all of this rite?

i thought the last sentence would tip you off that the whole Nonito rant was pure loser bull**** crying.

Seriously, Irondan and bojangles hit it right on the head, All the other posters are right too. Rigo is just a better boxer and did things nonito wasn't smart or skilled enought to deal with.

Lampley by the way should have his ass kicked for cosigning that bull**** too.

[Cinci Champ]

im watching the fight again probably 3rd time and im noticing the judges are not watching the fight closely at all surprised i didnt notice this live

[The Big Dunn]

im watching the fight again probably 3rd time and im noticing the judges are not watching the fight closely at all surprised i didnt notice this live

exactly. find me a round other than the 10th that donaire won.

[Bushbaby]

I think I saw his demise from the 1st combination he leaned in with in round 1. He did not expect Rigo to answer him back with a better 1. And when he tried it again, the same thing happened. Rigo was content to potshot him with that left hand always ****ed and ready. But whenever Donaire let go, Rigo immediately landed the bigger shot. That forced Donaire to start thinking, then he simply became reluctant to fire.

[Suavecito80]

I think I saw his demise from the 1st combination he leaned in with in round 1. He did not expect Rigo to answer him back with a better 1. And when he tried it again, the same thing happened. Rigo was content to potshot him with that left hand always ****ed and ready. But whenever Donaire let go, Rigo immediately landed the bigger shot. That forced Donaire to start thinking, then he simply became reluctant to fire.

Good post. Let me add that he did not think that Rigo packed as much pop as he does. He found that out real quick that it was not the case at all. Once he felt the power Rigo had and how fast the punches came he clammed up and was like a fish out of water while Rigo rearranged his face for the rest of the fight.