By Cliff Rold
Filipino-born Southern Californian Nonito Donaire had been a somewhat polarizing figure on the boxing landscape. The talent was obvious. There were some questions to be had about just how strong the resume was, how much his talent had been proven.
Sure, he nuked one of the most accomplished little men of the last generation or two in Vic Darchinyan, but a cynic could worry about overrating him, about subconsciously giving him credit for what Darchinyan went on to accomplish after that nasty loss.
There is no need for cynicism anymore, not after doing veteran Fernando Montiel, the Mexican three division titlist in the midst of the best run of his career, with the sort of counter left hook that sends corners calling for an exorcist.
Nonito Donaire is exactly what he looks like. He might even prove to be better than that. Unlike most of the men who will occupy space with him in arguments about the overall best fighter in the world in the next year or two, Donaire is just hitting his prime.
Look at the calendar.
The upside almost always rides with youth.
For now, it’s enough that Donaire finds himself firmly ensconced with the games genuine elite and taken the lead position in boxing’s best current division. He said after the second round stoppage of Montiel that he wants to unify Bantamweight before moving on. Given the talent in the field, that could be just the path for Donaire to improve on his standing here.
As will be seen, after the Montiel win, there isn’t much room to grow.
