Is Nonito Donaire still a live opponent?

**bluebeam** · 12-28-2017, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by White Willy

Looking for the opinion of anyone who's followed his career closely? I like Carl Frampton but I'm not too sure on Nonito Donaire as a top level opponent.

Donaire does have a big size advantage, massive reach advantage and those are things Frampton struggles with. Is Donaire just an old name to look good against though?

styles make fights.

i expect donaire to give frampton hell

**TheBigLug** · 12-28-2017, 11:05 AM

Judging by Frampton's last performance, Donaire could be a difficult opponent.

I'll give Frampton the benefit of the doubt in his last performance i.e coming off a long layoff, new trainer/team etc. but even so, Donaire's style might make for an interesting fight. I just think Donaire might be too far gone at this stage but who knows.

I actually think it's a risky fight for Frampton. Most people think Donaire is just a name and shot now, so unless Frampton deals with him easy, he has very little to gain in terms of credit for the fight. Frampton comes out of it looking bad even if he struggles and wins.

**SceneBoxer** · 12-28-2017, 11:21 AM

I think the best version of Donaire beats the best version of Frampton. Both didn't show topnotch performance in their last fight and I think it stays that way then I pick Donaire to win.

**soul_survivor** · 12-28-2017, 11:34 AM

Donaire hasn't looked anywhere near his best for years now. Rigo took most of his best and Walters took wha twas left. Then again, Frampton hasn't been at his best either, what with a change of team and promoter etc etc. It's a great crossroads fight.

**richardt** · 12-28-2017, 04:45 PM

The negative to Donaire is he just does not pull the trigger anymore and getting in range is harder for him. Older fighters often say when they get older that they just couldnt pull the trigger. And while people sit their waiting for Donaire to connect, the opponent meanwhile is piling up points. And Frampton does have great movement. On the plus side, Donaire has serious power if he lands since Frampton can be dropped. And he can pressure a fighter for 12 rounds. If Frampton adopts the Magdaleno style, it could work for him.....or maybe not. It would be a huge win if Donaire could pull it off.

**Redd Foxx** · 12-28-2017, 04:48 PM

No. He's still a fun fighter to watch but he's not top comp anymore. It's pretty odd that frampton goes from 2016 FOTY to fighting Donaire in 2018. That's a pretty sad step backward.

**Larry the boss** · 12-28-2017, 04:54 PM

Interesting fight, I do believe Donire has passed his expiration date, but still is a damn good talent

**_original_** · 12-28-2017, 04:58 PM

Donaire is done, mentally and physically. He can't be expected to beat anybody decent.

**mlac** · 12-28-2017, 04:59 PM

Donaire looks shot to me and has for a while.

Is Nonito Donaire still a live opponent?