Bantamweight

On Tuesday night, while most of us were off to bed, I had the honor of interviewing Nonito Donaire, "The Filipino Flash," who is days away from the biggest fight of his life against WBC/WBO Bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel this Saturday at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on HBO.

The following is a phone interview transcript with Donaire:

King J: Alright champ, how is everything going?

Nonito Donaire: It's great, we're just excited for this fight and looking forward to it.

KJ: I like percentages can you give me a percentage of how ready you are for Saturday night?

ND: I am about 95 percent right now, just getting the weight down. We're going to go in there 120 percent into the fight.

KJ: Can you break down what your training regime is? The whole nine yards. Can you break that down for all your fans?

ND: Well for me, in my training camp we wake up around 8 o'clock to do some running. Sprint and long distance, alternate. Wake up for the gym at noon time. Go about three hours of sparring. I haven't really sparred less than eight rounds for this camp. We go about 10 or 12 rounds so we are really ready for this fight.

KJ: How many miles do you run everyday?

ND: I'm more of a sprinter. About four to five miles a day. Usually sprinting is my main source of energy and recovery time because that's how I move. I'm not going to be like long distance in my fights. The movements in my fights are not like long distance is more like sprints. I do a lot of sprints for my recovery time and movements, muscles. I can react faster to punches and movements.

KJ: Do you do a certain amount of push ups and sits ups?

ND: Actually I do a lot of sit ups. I work with Michael Bazzel, my strength trainer, and we pretty much stay away from push ups and using the arms. I gain a lot of weight I tend to gain a lot of muscles in my arms and my chest. It's getting hard for me to cut down to 118. So we try to avoid the push ups and the arm muscle workouts and we focus mainly on the core and the abs. At the condo part of the club we have everything here. I haven't been to the Top Rank gym since last week because everything is conveniently here. We got treadmills, saunas, jacuzzis everything's here at the facility where I live. It's so convenient for me cause at this time resting is most valuable.

KJ: Is that the same condo that you invited me to that night of the Amir Khan/Maidana fight?

ND: No that was not the same place. That one was just a place I stayed for a few days. This condo is pretty much the place whenever I'm in Vegas I'll be here most of the time. Pretty much like a home in Vegas. It's a really nice nice place. 

KJ: I guess you are doing quite well these days cause you have multiple cribs?

ND: No its just we are doing well. We are blessed.

KJ: How far do you see yourself going up in weight class?

ND: I think right now my body is getting stronger as I go up in weight, I think I can go up to 130. But I want to conquer this division (118) because there is a lot of good here in this division. I want to conquer it.

KJ: I remember we talked and you were looking to take on the champion of the Showtime Bantamweight tournament.

ND: That's correct. I'd rather fight those guys. They are the most challenging fighters in that tournament who can bring out the best in me.

KJ: Let's talk about your trainer Robert Garcia. It seems when his fighters are being trained in camp they usually go down to Oxnard. But in your case Garcia comes to where you are at?

ND: That's correct. Robert knows that the facilities that I have up in the Bay area are good. He knows how hard I train up in the Bay and how good the people are behind me and helping me out and what they do. They are really good at what they do and he knows that and he has a lot of good things to say about it. What game plan I need to do and he's (Garcia) pretty much the brains of how the fights going to be, and he pretty much doesn't have to look over me because I'm not the type to have to be babysat. I usually work hard and do my thing. The last time and this time around it's just a lot of good things with the guys that I work with in the Bay so that's why he doesn't mind me going out there (Oxnard). If he sees me not doing well then he'll most likely ask me to come down to Oxnard.

KJ: You only hear really great things about the Garcia team and their work ethic. Probably one of the most biggest names to come out of the Garcia camp was Fernando Vargas and he told me that Robert was like a father to him and father figure to most of his fighters.

ND: He's a really nice guy and a fun person to kick it with but he really does look out for me in the ring. That's why I am honored and blessed to have my life in his hands in that ring. He will look out for you and your best interest. Yeah that's pretty much what it is what Vargas said is how Robert is like to me. He just looks out for you and takes care of you. He wants the best for you and that's why I have a lot of respect for Robert.

KJ: Champ, you've never been down, correct?

ND: I've never been down so I am planning for that for the rest of my career.

KJ: That's what I like to hear! (laughing)

ND:  I'm going to be keep on standing... that's it. (laughing)

KJ: Both of you have been known to showboat. If we are keeping it real, do you think we can expect to see some showboating?

ND: As much as we have respect for each other outside of the ring we have a lot of energy and animosity in terms of winning and knocking out each other. Maybe like a tactic or a plan to showboat. You know he does it, and I do it at times so.

KJ: Now did you see the Bradley vs Alexander fight on HBO? I actually lost a lot of money cause I was going for Alexander and we all know how that went down. So I'm going to have to win back my money on you, bro. You are going to have to let me know what round it's all going to end. (laughing)

ND: (laughing) Well you know we'll try to make it an early round. He's saying he's going to do an early round, I'm do an early round.  But we all know that Montiel has a history of when he fights somebody on at top level that he fights conservatively and avoids trying to get hit and stuff. We saw it in the Too Sharp fight we saw it in the Johnny Gonzalez fight, saw it in the Hasegawa fight, he has a tendency to do that. If he gets a chance to take advantage of the situation then he comes forward, but I just want him to go in there and do his thing and I want to do my thing and hope it ends early (laughing).

KJ: Well most people feel that you will just put a clinic on him...as long as you outbox him...

ND: That's the thing, I know that there's no way for him winning if I just use my jab and box him, but is that really entertaining? Is that where I want to be? There's a lot of champions in the past where they can win all the fights but they still never really don't know who they are. I think it's time to do a little something and take a little risk. But I am really starving.

KJ: Alright champ, I appreciate you taking the time to do this interview, you go eat now. I'll see you Saturday. We wish you the best of luck. God bless.

ND: Thank you so much man, I appreciate it, and yeah definitely see you Saturday man. To all my fans, thank you for your support and keep following and you'll see the Filipino Flash and what's going on.

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Lately, it seems that boxing has taken a turn for the worse. Since when are we supposed to be happy and excited in anticipation of a semi-decent fight, which happens at most a couple times a year? Not all that long ago, boxing filled an average year with dozens of exciting and important fights. From Muhammad Ali all the way to the Mike Tyson era, boxing was a densely filled sport with talent and heart. Money was mostly on the back burner, while pleasing fans was the main priority. 

Great match-ups don’t happen very often in this day and age, but nevertheless, they still do pop up now and then. One such fight is coming up next weekend at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV. This fight has to be one of the most critically acclaimed and important bouts we have seen in a very long time. On February 19, Nonito Donaire (25-1-0) will face off against Fernando Montiel (44-2-2) for the WBO and the WBC Bantamweight titles. 

Both men are a rarity in boxing today, as they fight with their hearts first. Montiel and Donaire don’t train for the fight, they both live it. 

Ninoto Donaire’s stock soared immensely after his dramatic upset over Vic Darchinyan for the IBF and IBO flyweight titles in July of 2007. Since that day, there were only two fights on everyone’s mind: Vic Darchinyan II or Fernando Montiel. Negotiations for a re-match with Darchinyan were held on numerous occasions, but unfortunately no resolution was ever reached. At that point in time, while staying busy and beating seven opponents, Donaire’s team began serious negotiations with Montiel’s people. 

Meanwhile, Montiel kept doing what he knows how to do best: knock out his own challengers. Fighting an average of three fights a year, Montiel was able to secure wins over Z Gorres (26-1-1) and Rafael Conception (14-4-1). 

Now, after three years since the Darchinyan fight, Nonito Donaire will finally fight the most important fight of his career. For Montiel, the significance of this fight is not any different than it is for Donaire. This is easily the most dangerous opposition for both men, as Donaire and Montiel posses evident knockout power, with KO percentage of 65% and 71% respectively. 

Nonito Donaire is a very technical fighter; as a matter of fact I would say he is the most technically sound fighter in boxing today. Donaire’s adaptability and strategy use remind me of a younger Bernard Hopkins: he can swiftly adjust to any style inside the ring, and masterfully take advantage of his opponent’s flaws. Donaire’s physical attributes are exceedingly impressive; he is fast and very precise. His footwork is flawless, and his ability to take angles is world class. With a tremendous coach in Robert Garcia, Donaire can turn into something the boxing fans have all been waiting for. 

“I think Montiel will be the toughest guy I have ever faced. He knows what he’s doing and he’s been beating guys at the top of the weight class. I know that he’s up there and is capable of anything. I think I’ve faced guys that are tougher and more relentless, but he’s the best all around fighter that I’ve faced.” – Nonito Donaire, Fightnews.com

For Fernando Montiel, a long time champion and a household name for many Mexican boxing fans, this is the ultimate opportunity to prove to the world his true dominance. I have given some thought to whom Montiel could fight instead of Donaire expecting the same impact, and came out with nothing. Montiel is relentless and ambitious. He often presses the action without abandoning his defense and sticking to his strategic plan. I have watched hours of video on Montiel, and became very impressed with his ability to stay very consistent throughout his fights, ultimately chasing his opponents down and taking them apart until they are forced to swing for the bell, making it that much easier for Montiel to deliver his power blows. In his fight against Donaire, he is clearly the seasoned champion with all the tools needed to win the fight.

“He’s obviously a fighter with a lot of speed and is very intelligent. My question is what happens when he faces a guy who is just as good he is. This is the first time he’ll face someone just as fast and intelligent as he is.” – Fernando Montiel, Fightnews.com

This fight should not, better said, cannot be missed. Stylistically this has to be one of the best match-ups I have seen in a very long time. These fighters in the same ring undoubtedly guarantee explosive action all the way to the end, whatever round that may be. Both are coming in with their hearts heated, their bodies tested and optimized, and adrenaline fueling the rest. Both Donaire and Montiel will cross the ropes on February 19, and both will leave with an already altered future. 

I can hypothesize that Montiel will be the aggressor throughout the entire fight, while Donaire takes the back seat, mixing up lateral movement with counterpunching. Montiel’s master plan would likely include getting Donaire closer to the ropes and corners, while cutting off the ring preventing too much motion. Landing power shots on a semi-stationary Donaire is the direct route to victory for Fernando Montiel. 

Donaire’s remarkable upper body defensive maneuvering along with his smooth footwork will be Montiel’s kryptonite. I can see Montiel winning any brawl that the fight might bring, but other than that, his will be chasing a ghost in Donaire. Some may think that I am suggesting that Nonito Donaire is simply unhittable, and despite the criticism this may provoke, that’s exactly what I am saying. Styles make fights, and Donaire’s movement paired with very precise punching will provide enough to win this fight. 

I have the utmost respect for Fernando Montiel, but I am confident in my pick of Nonito Donaire by a UD, and possibly even a late round knockout. 

So tune in to HBO next Saturday February 19, 2011, and witness history take place. Will Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel’s ring experience and past dominance be enough to win the fight, or will the young hope Nonito "The Filipino Flash” Donaire prove to the world that he is here to claim the top spot for good? 

Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally. – David Frost

Despite being ranked by Ring Magazine as the fifth best pound-for-pound boxer in the entire world, the name Nonito Donaire is still a name not recognized and known by mainstream sports fans, and a name that is not known as much as well by mainstream boxing fans.

The Filipino fighter, who fights out of San Leandro, California is frequently in the shadows of fellow Filipino and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, and many of those who do know the name Nonito Donaire know him for one punch: A perfectly-timed left-hook which knocked out previously-undefeated Vic Darchinyan back in 2007, a punch which has left Darchinyan's career spiraling down as a result.

Even as a two-time world champion in two divisions (Donaire won the IBF and IBO Flyweight titles in the victory over Darchinyan, defending it three times and took home the WBC Super Flweight Interim title after a decision victory over Raul Concepcion, defending it two times), the name Nonito Donaire is still not a name that is as famous at it really should be.

However, that could all change come February 19th.

As Donaire's stock continues to rise among boxing die-hards, he prepares to engage in what clearly is the biggest-battle of his career so far: A fight with a fellow underrated boxer in Mexico's Fernando Montiel on the 19th of February.

The fight will be fought at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada and Donaire's WBO and WBC Bantamweight title's will be on the line.

The fight is expected to be an electric one—Montiel himself has a lot of power, winning 34 of his 44 victories by knock-out and packs a powerful punch and makes up for his lack of quickness by bringing with him quick, sudden powerful punches which surprises his opponents, like Japanese fighter Hozumi Hasegawa for example, whom Montiel took the WBC title from.

Only one of Montiel's previous 11 fights have gone the distance (a decision over fellow Mexican Juan Alberto Rosas in Aguascalientes back in November 2008), and is ranked Ring Magazine as the 7th best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. 

Donaire himself will respond to Montiel's strengths by trying to use his size advantage over Montiel (Donaire's height is 5''6 while Montiel is 5''4, Donaire has a reach of 68-inches while Montiel has a reach of 66-inches), along with trying to use his strong chin to withstand Montiel's powerful punches and his ring generalship which has brought him to this stage.

Also talking about the height advantage Donaire enjoys, Montiel has struggled a bit in fights against taller opponents such as Jhonny Gonzales, Z Gorres and even Hozumi Hasegawa—who have all given the Mexican champion fits, despite all but Gonzales falling prey to Montiel.

Meanwhile, Donaire himself is capable of power-surges, though is more of a technical boxer, while fighting with high levels of thoughtfulness and has faster hands and feet than Montiel. 

On paper, Donaire has every advantage in the fight outside of power in the book and as a result many die-hard boxing "experts" are picking Donaire to win this fight, possibly by knockout.

Meanwhile, Donaire also can adjust skills whilst in the middle of the fight. He can overwhelm opponents with supreme and powerful boxing ability, but also does not get lost when the action gets heated. Donaire's slashing power—mainly coming from his left-hook—gives him a decided advantage should a fight head into a brawl.

Just watching the early-rounds of the Darchinyan fight, it was clear that Donaire used his ring generalship to stave off the early attack by a slugging Darchinyan, which ultimately led Donaire to dominating the then-undefeated flyweight king and ultimately winning by knockout via a powerful left, which is still regarded as one of the best punches that division has seen.

Should Donaire come home with the win, it should propel him to a higher stature than he enjoys now. Coming into this fight, Donaire's opponent lists and choice-of-opponents have not been the best and it is a fair criticism.

Fighting the likes of Wladimir Sidorenko (although a former champion), Hernan Marquez, Manuel Vargas, Rafael Concepcion, Luis Maldonado and Moritu Mathalene certainly will bring out critics and the criticism is fair.

However, the lack of a big-name opponent after the Darchinyan win can be attributed to Donaire's pretty tumultuous change of promoters from Gary Shaw Promotions to Top Rank Promotions, which promotes fighters such as Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. Along with that, there simply were not many top-fight opponents to chose from in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions—something that Donaire will fortunately not face in the bantamweight division.

The division is full of stars such as Montiel; Mexican Abner Mares (21-0, 13 KO), Mexican veteran Eric Morel (43-2, 21 KO's) and Ghanian Joseph Agbeko (21-0-1, 13 KO's) may lay await should Donaire get past Montiel.

Certainly, Donaire will not face the problem of a lack of quality opposition he faced in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions.

Donaire himself has the look of a potential star, possibly one that can take the reigns of the Philippines' top boxer and athlete at the conclusion of Pacquiao's proud career.

Donaire has the looks of someone that can either dominate a star-studden bantamweight division, or move up in weight—depending on what he chooses to do. His patient style, his ring generalship, and the left-hook that has caused a once promising career for Darchinyan to never end up being the same can all drive Donaire to a seat among the top of the boxing world in the near future.

Should Donaire get the job done against Montiel, expect HBO World Championship fights to feature Donaire, and as the main event—not as the undercard feature, such as in the Sidorenko and Marquez fights.

Donaire clearly has the chance and style to become one of boxing's top draws, as the interest of the American mainstream public has clearly turned from the heavier boxers such as Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones Junior, Bernard Hopkins to lighter divisions and fighters such as Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Junior, Miguel Cotto and others. 

Donaire himself has the skill, charisma and flair to turn into one of boxing's future stars. A win over Montiel and many more to come after that should help in that aspect.

However, he must get the job done against a credible opponent in Montiel, a man he shares the similarity of a lack of mainstream knowledge and lack of mainstream attention, and one that is surely hungry for the biggest fight of his career—a distinction this fight is also thought by Donaire. 

On Saturday Feb. 19 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the true fight fans will finally get one of the top fights they have been wishing for.

The WBC/WBO bantamweight champion of the world, Fernando Montiel, 44(34)-2-2, will be taking on Nonito Donaire, 25(17)-1, in a fight that many are considering to have Fight of the Year potential written all over it.

Montiel, from Cochulito, Mexico, is a knockout artist who is in his prime and who is still riding high over his knock out victory over former pound-for-pound bantamweight champion Japanese legend Hozumi Hasegawa last year.

Fight experts favored the superior technical boxer Hasegawa to defeat Montiel with ease in Japan; however, Fernando's heavy hands changed what was pretty much a dominating performance by the Japanese champion by a TKO stoppage in the fourth round.

The majority of Montiel's fights have been ending in knockout within the first few rounds, for he is a fighter who has true one-punch power as it is evident with his 70.83% Knock Out Percentage.

Many were viewing Hasegawa as the next big Asian sensation fighter behind Manny Pacquiao if he was able to defeat Montiel in their fight last April.

Now we have another fighter who is also of Asian descent, Filipino-American Nonito Donaire, who is also now currently being mentioned as the next big Asian break out star fighter behind Pacquiao.

Once again the fight to possibly skyrocket that status is against Montiel.

Donaire, who already shocked the world with his Knockout of the Year win against Showtime network's poster boy, Vic Darchinyan, back in 2007, has been winning big ever since dominating anyone willing to fight him from flyweight to bantamweight.

With the lack of opponents willing to step into the ring with him, Donaire has been one of the most blatantly dodged and avoided fighters in all of boxing.

He has a very high-skilled technical style which enables him to outbox and counter punch his opponents with ease until he ultimately knocks them out.

Nonito has the total package: speed, ring generalship, power, and slick defense all in one. He has pretty much a fighting style similar to Floyd Mayweather Jr., but more so one that is willing to trade, take risks and go for the knockout to satisfy the fans.

Rarely do we have such a meaningful fight where the top pound-for-pound ranked fighters actually collide in the same weight class.

Montiel is currently ranked No. 7 by the Ring Magazine Pound for Pound rankings and Donaire is currently ranked No. 5.

Las Vegas currently has odds for Donaire as the betting favorite at -220 and the champion Montiel at +180.

As the Boxing Community leader here at the Bleacher Report, I say we should give Nonito Donaire a call and interview him when he gets a break in his training camp.

So fight fans, send in your questions for Nonito Donaire as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career in what will indeed be nothing short of a great fight against Fernando Montiel.

If we decide to use your questions to ask Nonito, we will credit you as the source of the question when we transcribe the interview.

Go ahead and either post a comment here on this article or feel free to message or email me your questions for Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire.

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The first major boxing event of 2011 between Filipino Nonito Donaire and Mexican Fernando Montiel in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 19, will feature another Filipino boxer Mark Melligen and Mexican Gabriel Martinez.

The Donaire-Montiel fight will likewise feature Mike Jones and Jesus Soto-Karass for a welterweight rematch.

Melligen, who was born in Bacolod City, Philippines and currently residing in Los Angeles, California, has a professional record of 20-2.

The 24-year old southpaw is currently training at the ALA Gym in Cebu, Philippines. He is scheduled to arrive in Las Vegas on Jan. 15 and continue training at the Floyd Mayweather gym.

In his last fight at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu  last October, Melligen scored an impressive  third round TKO over Bladimir Hernandez.

He fought Norberto Gonzales (18-1; 12 KO) of Mexico on April 10, 2010. The bout took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Melligen won the fight by unanimous decision after 10 rounds, with the scores of 100-90 in all the judges' scorecards.

Melligen's opponent, Gabriel Martinez has a professional record of 27 fights winning 24 with one loss, one draw and one no contest.

On April 18, 2008, Martinez lost his only fight to top welterweight prospect, Mexican Saul Alvarez. On May 29, 2010 Martinez fought one of the best welterweights Jesus Soto Karass, the fight was ruled a No Contest after an unintentional headbutt.

Martinez is 23 years old and stands 5'10 inches with a reach of 73 inches while Melligen stands five feet and seven inches.

Meanwhile, tickets to Montiel vs. Donaire, priced at $250, $125, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges, go on-sale Next Thursday!  December 23, at Noon PT.

They can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. 

To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Mandalay Bay at (877) 632-7400 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.  Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Tacoma, Washington is playing host to Showtime's bantamweight tournament, which starts tonight with two fights that appear to be very even on paper. Steve Albert, Antonio Tarver and Al Bernstein are on hand to call all of the action.

Tarver and Bernstein talk up the youthful upside of Abner Mares and the experience of Yonnhy Perez, Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agbeko. A video package gives the viewers some background on all four men.

Mares walks to the ring first, sporting a cool looking skull bandana. Just 25, the former Mexican Olympian is 20-0-1, with his lone draw coming against Perez in his last fight.

The Raging Bull, Darchinyan, makes his ring walk second and sounds like he has some fans in attendance in the relatively small venue. Vic has a career record of 35-2-1, and though he has displayed serious power at lower weights, he has yet to translate it to bantamweight.

Jimmy Lennon Jr. does his typically classy job with the fighter introductions, and we are set for a scheduled 12 rounds of bantamweight action.

Round One

Darchinyan comes right across the ring but both men settle down quickly. Mares bounces and tries to jab. Darchinyan gets in the first straight left. Mares ducks in and tries some short shots. Two nice rights connect for Mares as he comes forward. Mares may be bleeding a bit from the forehead, perhaps from a clash of heads. Mares gets in one last right in a tight first round.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Mares

Round Two

Mares looks to the body early and complains about low shots from Darchinyan. Darchinyan is keeping his right hand high for now. Mares peppers Darchinyan after he rushes in. Darchinyan connects with a left out of nowhere and Mares is down. It was a flash knockdown, though, and he seems fine. Interesting turn of events as he was probably winning the round to that point. Another solid left by Darchinyan amidst an exchange. Mares scores with his right in the closing seconds.

Tylwalk: 10-8 Darchinyan

Round Three

Darchinyan lands some two-punch combos but Mares shrugs them off and attacks with his right hand. The ref warns Mares for straying below the belt. Darchinyan whacks away with his right hook and straight left. Mares seems to be loading up, which may not be his best bet. Blood is streaming down Mares' face again as well. Mares gets the better of a brief exchange, though Darchinyan crashes home a left right at the bell.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Darchinyan

Round Four

Abner's cut is high but looks very big. He comes out and stuns Vic a bit with a right hand. There's a left by Darchinyan. Two body shots by Mares answer a head shot from Vic. Mares settles for a moment behind his jab. Mares rushes in with a flurry, but the crowd boos as the ref takes a point away from him for low blows. Mares goes to the body and head before a clinch. His right is landing more often now. The ref cautions both men for their in-fighting tactics.

Tylwalk: 9-9

Round Five

The crowd tries to get Mares going as he absorbs two left hands from his foe. Nice uppercuts from Mares with both hands. He lands multiple right hands that force Darchinyan to bounce around. Darchinyan uses his right hook and gets warned about using his right forearm to push Mares away. Both men land power shots as they decide to stand and trade. Nasty left hands by Darchinyan, but Mares answers with the right. Good stuff in this round.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Mares

Round Six

Mares is landing more combinations while Darchinyan is using mostly single shots. Mares batters Darchinyan in the corner with body shots and uppercuts. Darchinyan has to hold on, but he measures a solid left. Mares finds a home for his counter left hook. More left hooks by Mares in tight. Darchinyan leans in with another straight left. Mares weaves in and gets his left uppercut in again. Darchinyan lands a thunderous left hand, but Mares takes it well. There's another smoking left, forcing Mares to show off his strong chin.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Mares

Round Seven

Darchinyan sneaks in a right hook as he tries to stick and move. Mares responds with a flurry from both hands. Darchinyan lands a left but Mares' counter puts Darchinyan down. That looked like a flash knockdown too, but it still counts. Darchinyan goes back to his bread and butter with straight lefts. Mares forces his man back with a jab and into a clinch. Good power shots from both men in the final seconds.

Tylwalk: 10-8 Mares

Round Eight

Replays showed that the knockdown call was correct even though Darchinyan was not hurt by the punch last round. Mares hitting and holding a bit on the inside. Hooks and a straight right from Mares. Darchinyan gets his left untracked again. Strong right-left combo from Darchinyan, but Mares answers right away with a counter hook. Uppercut by Darchinyan with his back to the ropes. Darchinyan smokes another left right down the pike and mixes in a jab. Lefts to the body and head from Mares. Hopping left hands from Darchinyan.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Darchinyan

Round Nine

Mares scores first with hooks and body blows. He's fired up now as his corner told him he needs to win rounds. Big right to the head by Mares amidst an exchange. The ref warns Mares for hitting behind the head. Left to the head and a low right hand by Mares. Darchinyan finally responds with a right hook. The action turns choppy as the ref has to pull them apart. Both men score in the center of the ring, but Mares gets more work done.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Mares

Round 10

Mares' corner once again told him the fight is very close. Mares is still looking to the body when they are at close range. He's getting his hands free just enough as clinches break out repeatedly. Darchinyan bounces in with a left hand. The action is coming in spurts, which would seem to favor Darchinyan, but Mares is scoring more consistently. Mares punctuates his round with a solid right hook.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Mares

Round 11

This thing could very well be up for grabs in the championship rounds. It's Darchinyan's single shots versus his opponent's combo punching again. Mares connects with a right hand and a body shot. Darchinyan paws with short shots. There's a left from Darchinyan. Mares scores with a hook and both men swing away with 40 seconds to go. Darchinyan is swinging for the fences but not landing flush.

Tylwalk: 10-9 Mares

Round 12

Three minutes to go, and it may be on the line here. Hooks fly both ways. Mares doing anything possible to touch Darchinyan. Mares has the quicker hands and is trying to overwhelm Darchinyan. Darchinyan loads up a left uppercut which partially connects. Mares keeps coming, throwing with both hands. Darchinyan goes to the body and lands a right hook. Mares responds in kind. Darchinyan scores with a heavy left hand. There's another left from Darchinyan. They fight to the final bell, and we'll go to the cards.

Tylwalk: 10-10

Tylwalk: 115-111 Mares

The judges score it 115-111 Darchinyan, 115-112 Mares and 115-111 Mares. The winner by split decision is Abner Mares.

Steve Farhood gets a word with Mares, who isn't surprised it was a split decision but does feel he pulled it out by closing strong. He says his plan was to push Darchinyan back regardless, not just because he suffered the early knockdown.

Mares gives Darchinyan credit for his power but feels his body work was the difference. Looking ahead to the final, he wants a rematch with Perez while admitting it would be a tough fight against either man.

Darchinyan is obviously disappointed and voices his displeasure with the refereeing. Darchinyan does say he faded a bit down the stretch but thinks he was ahead until the last couple of rounds.

Darchinyan thought he could take Mares out with an uppercut but says again that the referee would not let him fight the way he wanted.

Nick Tylwalk is the editor and co-founder of BoxingWatchers.com. Follow his Twitter feed @Nick_Tylwalk or the site's feed @boxing_watchers.

They are two of the top ten pound-for-pound fighters in the world and are close in weight. Boxing fans have been clamoring for them to get together in the ring for over two years, but somehow the fight has always fallen through.  

No, I'm not talking about Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather.  I'm talking about Ring Magazine's No. 4 P4P fighter Nonito Donaire and No. 9 Fernando Montiel, the two greatest boxers in the world under 120 pounds.

Perhaps because of weariness about the on-again-off-again nature of this fight, or perhaps because of the relatively low profile these fighters have in the U.S., there hasn't been much talk about this fight lately.  However, in his weekly divisional rankings, ESPN's boxing guru Dan Rafael has laid out a very plausible scenario for how this fight can take place, and has even laid out a date—February 19 on HBO.

There are still a number of pieces that will have to fall into place, including both fighters winning December matches and going ahead with the fight.  Still, this is very promising news.  

Montiel has seen his profile rise lately, fighting a very active schedule and pulling off a major upset of former divisional No. 1 Hozumi Hasegawa earlier this year.  He is often mentioned as a 2010 Fighter of the Year candidate.  Though he was recently injured in a dirt bike accident, he is expected to be stepping into the ring in December.  He is fighting the always-intimidating "opponent to be announced," so the odds are he will prevail in this fight.  There's arguably no one in any of Montiel's divisions who can hold a candle to his fighting talent.

On the other hand, Donaire has seen his profile drop as his activity rate has stagnated in the years since his stunning knockout of previously-undefeated Vic Darchinyan three years ago.  To some fight fans, it seems longer than that.  Donaire really hasn't done much lately, to the point where even though Donaire hasn't lost in years, Vic Darchinyan is now ranked No. 1 in the junior bantamweight division by Rafael and many other sources.  Donaire, like many fighters, has stalled under Bob Arum's Top Rank promotions and needs a big fight.

Donaire is facing 22-2 Volodymyr Sidorenko in December. Sidorenko is a talented fighter, and it won't be an easy task for Nonito, especially since we haven't seen him fight major opposition in a while, but Donaire should still be favored to win the fight.

If both fighters win their December matches, and the fight doesn't fall out of negotiations, fight fans could be in for a real treat in February if this long-anticipated bout finally falls into place like Rafael has lain out.  It would most likely happen in the bantamweight division, where both fighters have fought comfortably recently, but they are so close in weight (only three pounds differentiates Donaire's natural junior bantamweight division and Montiel's bantamweight division) that the fight could happen in several divisions. 

Most importantly for fight fans, our biggest hope is that the fight takes place at all.  We've been waiting for a long time to see these two talented fighters step into the ring, and it could be an instant fight of the year candidate and has major pound-for-pound implications.

After having been assured of a fight with Mexican boxer Fernando Montiel, who is the current WBC and WBO bantamweight champion, Nonito Donaire may have to look around for a major fight to keep him in the list of The Ring's top ten pound-for-pound fighters next year.

This developed as Montiel figured in an accident in Mexico while attending a motorcycle event as special guest. Montiel suffered in a fall from a motorcycle he was riding on as rear passenger. Somebody else was driving the motorcycle.

It was reported that the driver lost control of the motorcycle when it hit some gravel or rocks on the road.

Montiel was reported to have suffered some bruises on his body and a major damage to his right leg. He received initial treatment in a medical facility near the site of the event but later brought to a hospital in Sinaloa for x-ray.

Fortunately, his doctor said there was no fracture and the Mexican boxer can resume workouts in about three weeks. Montiel's right leg was on cast.

Montiel and Donaire are tentatively scheduled to fight February next year.

Donaire, who is ranked number four in the Ring's latest pound-for pound rankings, is hoping to land a fight with popular Mexican Fernando Montiel in February next year for a possible record-breaking fight purse of his boxing career.

The Filipino-American boxer said he knew of some reports and figured something would postpone the fight. "We wanted to make sure, that is why we signed a two-fight contract with Top Rank to ensure us that we are going to fight Montiel". I'm happy signing that contract to make sure my fight with Montiel gets made" Donaire said.

Donaire and Wladimiro of Ukraine Sidorengko will be featured in the under card of the highly explosive fight between Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr and Alfornso Gomez at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on December 4.

Fernando Montiel is the current WBC/WBO bantamweight champion and presently rated as the eight pound-pound-boxer in the world.

With the positive initial finding of Motiel's doctor and barring unforeseen events, boxing fans will be treated to  another exciting match and a major boxing event early next year.

Filipino-American boxer Nonito Donaire finally got what he wanted to propel his slow-paced boxing career after signing up with HBO for a two-fight promotional coverage starting off with his scheduled showdown with Wladimiro Sidorengko on December 4.

Donaire, who is ranked number four in the Ring's latest pound-for pound rankings, is hoping to land a fight with popular Mexican Fernando Montiel in February next year for a possible record-breaking fight purse of his boxing career.

Donaire and Sidorengko will be featured in the highly explosive fight between Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr and Alfornso Gomez at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Sidorengko is a former WBA bantamweight champion and Olympic bronze medalist in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He fought 23 times, winning 21 and drawing one.

Sidorengko is 34 years old and a native of Ukraine.

Donaire said he is excited about his upcoming fight because he knows he is fighting an opponent in the level he wants. "If I get this guy, I will be ready for the big boys", he said.

Donaire is training under Robert Garcia, who happens to be the same trainer of Manny Pacquiao's next opponent, Antonio Margarito of Mexico.

Garcia is currently in Oxnard, California for the final phase of his preparation for the Pacquiao-Margarito bout set for November 13 in Arlington, Texas.

“I was talking to him on the phone yesterday, and I’m pleased to know that Nonito’s training for Sidorenko is going very well,” Garcia said, adding that he talks to his prized Filipino boxer daily just to check on how he is doing."

On July 10, Donaire retained his WBA Interim superflyweight title against Herman Marquez in San Juan, Pueto Rico after his successful defense of the same title from Manuel Vargas last February 13.

Donaire is moving up and gunning for the WBA Interim bantamweight title against Sidorengko.

Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol and grew up in General Santos City, South Cotabato. It was in General Santos that Donaire would go to the same school as boxing icon seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

Nonito Donaire and Manny Pacquiao are the only Filipino boxers who are included in the Ring Magazine's top 10 pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Donaire holds a professional record of 25-24-1. He turned professional in 2001.

Showtime is up to it again with yet another boxing tournament. This one doesn’t have a fancy name like the Super Six World Boxing Classic and has less fighters in it. It also isn’t getting the publicity that the Super Six got and frankly that is a shame because this one is going to be better.

Nope, Showtime has put together a four-man "Bantamweight Throwdown" tournament that has fun written all over it. The four fighters competing are Yonnhy Perez, Agbeko, Vic Darchinyan, and Abner Mares.

Yonnhy Perez will face Joseph Agbeko and Vic Darchinyan will meet Abner Mares on December 11 on one big card. The winners will meet in 2011.

These four fighters have a long history as each of them has fought someone else in the tournament. You can say what you want about these fighters but they aren’t afraid of anyone.

You have Perez fighting Agbeko in a rematch that was very fun the first time around.

Their first fight was a nonstop action fight that was a contender for Fight of the Year. The first fight was held on Halloween and Agbeko has not fought since.

Perez won that fight in a wide unanimous decision but this is a fight I am glad to see for a second time. Agbeko is going to be rusty but he is a whirlwind and surely wants to regain his title.

The Darchinyan-Mares fight is going to be a lot of fun and we know both man can provide thrills. Darchinyan is a knockout puncher and Mares has a lot of skills but isn’t afraid to mix it up.

Mares is coming off a thrilling draw against Perez his last time out and Darchinyan is coming off of a wide points win over Eric Barcelona. Darchinyan is fighting yet another world class guy and has a great resume.

It will be interesting to see how Darchinyna’s awkward "come at you" style meshes with Mares more classic approach of sitting back and counterpunching. Mares can be dragged into a brawl but would be wise to not do that.

Mares is also fighting his second straight world class opponent and proved himself last time out. The Super Six is dragging along at this point and although still intriguing has lost many fans since it started.

This is going to be a quick tournament that shouldn’t be hard to pull off and is featuring four of the top 10 bantamweights in the world.

The first round of fights should be entertaining and no matter who wins the second round will be fun to watch. This is basically a cant miss for fight fans.

2010 hasn’t always been good to us fight fans but this is a great way to end the year. You have a great card that you don’t have to pay for and titles on the line for each fight.

Once you factor in the history these guys have with each other and it is downright hard to contain your excitement. Even if you don’t like the smaller guys this is something to watch.

I will guarantee that this mini-tournament produces three great fights and maybe even a Fight of the Year. If you are a fight fan and you miss this then you need to stop calling yourself a fight fan.

This was originally written for and published on www.kissingthecanvas.com.