by Cliff Rold - Sometimes, it’s hard not to just be a fan. Saturday night on Showtime (10 PM EST/PST) will be one of those times. One of boxing’s best divisions is giving the sport one of the highest quality matches available. Two fighters, both in their prime, hardly a blemish between them, with reasons to pick both; it might not end up an action classic, but it’s hard to ask for more on paper.
On one side of the ring, a fighter still becoming familiar to the U.S. audience, one of the trickiest boxers in the game, all subtle reflexes, defensive prowess, and sneaky offense. On the other side, one of the game’s most consistent warriors, fearlessly matched and the better for it, with a fierce body attack and steady aggression. Both men say they want the king of their class, World Jr. Featherweight Champion Nonito Donaire.
The winner will have more than earned that scrap in the ring. It can wait. This week, it might be that too much of the press has featured Donaire. At least the chatter about Donaire has been focused. Abner Mares is the other side of the focus. There are plenty who want to see the two most prominent U.S.-based Jr. Featherweights face off. They should. It would be a hell of a scrap.
