Flyweight

Saturday night's showdown between Toshiaki Nishioka and Nonito Donaire will come down to one thing: the ability of the younger Donaire to wear his opponent down with his quickness and youth. 

Age will be the biggest factor in this highly anticipated contest. Donaire is 29 years old and Nishioka is 36. 

Seven years doesn't seem like a big discrepancy, but couple Nishioka's age with the fact that he hasn't participated in a fight in more than year, and there is a great chance he will be worn down as this fight goes into the later rounds.

One of the biggest keys for Donaire is going after Nishioka early and often to set the tone and pace for the entire fight. If he is the aggressor early, it will benefit him in the end. 

He knows that Nishioka hasn't fought in more than a year, and he knows that he's quicker and younger, therefore the strategy of attacking early and often must be played.

If he does, it's going to be a long night for Nishioka because he will have to assert more energy in getting back into the fight by landing more punches. In doing so, he will take more risks, which may leave him open for a thunderous hook from Donaire that will result in yet another knockout. 

Prediction

I'm expecting this fight to go the distance because both fighters are extremely talented and both have plenty to prove despite great résumés.

However, Donaire will win this fight because of his age and overall quickness. He'll come out of the opening bell and look to attack. He will remain the aggressor throughout the fight, and in boxing, usually the aggressor comes out on top.

Donaire will be the aggressor and winner of this showdown via decision. 

Super bantamweights Nonito Donaire and Toshiaki Nishioka, along with junior welterweights Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado, will all be fighting on a Top Rank-promoted card that will be broadcast live on HBO Boxing After Dark tomorrow night at 10 PM ET (delayed on the West Coast) from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. All four men stepped on the scale today. 

Nonito Donaire, the current IBF and WBO super bantamweight champ weighed in at 121.6 while his opponent, the true WBC champion, Toshiaki Nishioka weighed in at 121.8, both of which were under the division limit of 122. 

Mike Alvarado weighed in at 139.8, while his opponent Brandon Rios weighed in at the division limit of 140. The fight is for the vacant WBO Latino junior welterweight title. 

Rios fans in attendance must have let out a collective sigh of relief when he made weight for the first time in his last three fights. In fairness though, he did move up a weight class, so to miss weight again would have been beyond unprofessional. 

Both fights promise to be intriguing matchups, with a lot of people predicting that the Alvarado vs. Rios bout could be a fight of the year candidate. 

The Donaire vs. Nishioka winner could potentially face WBA super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, who just renewed his contract with Top Rank, at some point early next year.

Source for weights: Toprank.com live stream.

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Saturday night will have one of the most meaningful fights in the sport of boxing with the main event of IBF/WBO Super Bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire vs former WBC Super Bantamweight Toshiaki Nishioka taking place at the Home Depot Center in Carson Calif.

Many media publications view Nishioka as the number one super bantamweight in the world, beating top elite champions such as Rafael Marquez and even Jhonny Gonzalez by an early knock out.

Donaire is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world and has been pressured into being one of the next big stars of boxing. 

Nonito is also the first and only fighter to undergo year round VADA drug testing, with the hopes of setting the example for all other fighters, and to take a stand to clean up the sport of boxing once and for all.

So far both Donaire and Nishioka have appeared respectful and decent of one another—but at the same time confident in their own victory.

In the co-main event is the highly hyped 140lbs undefeated war of Mike Alvarado vs Brandon Rios. In what many are saying will be the most exciting, all action fight we will see in several years.

Weigh-In

On Friday's weigh-in all main event fighters make weight on their first try.

Donaire weighs in at 121.6lbs vs Nishioka weighs in at 121.8lbs.

Both seem respectful of one another with even smiles and Nishioka putting on a towel right away to stay warm during the stare down.

Alvarado weighs in 139.8lbs vs Rios weighs in at 140lbs at the limit.

Rios is used to having bad blood and tension during his weigh-in stare downs, but not this time he and Alvarado were both respectful and smiling the whole time?

Out of the these two Alvarado looks fit and cut, where Rios still looks drained as if he starved himself again?

The weigh-in crowd were all excited and cheering for their favorites.

The Home Depot Center should be on fire tomorrow night.

Fight fans, check back here to this live blog as I will be updating it from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Also be sure to be following me on Twitter for additional live updates and live photos from the fights.

Follow on Twitter: @KingJ323

Saturday’s showdown between Nonito Donaire and Toshiaki Nishioka at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California is almost a rarity in boxing: a genuinely elite, championship fight.

With the plethora of alphabet title sanctioning bodies consistently increasing their stranglehold on boxing’s 17 weight classes, unification fights and bouts contested for a division’s lineal championship have fallen victim to fighter’s content to annex one belt and make pointless mandatory defenses.

Donaire (29-1, 18 KO), 29, has consistently bucked this disturbing trend. Having been a unified champion at flyweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight, he has made a concerted effort to fight the best available opponents, all while establishing himself as one of the most electrifying pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Nishioka (39-4-3, 24 KO), 36, should also be celebrated for his desire to fight Donaire. According to ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael, Nishioka vacated his WBC title to avoid a meaningless mandatory defense, and his patience in waiting to secure the Donaire fight has certainly paid dividends.

Both fighters boast an impressive championship pedigree. Of course, Donaire has defeated the likes of Vic Darchinyan, Raúl Martinez, Fernando Montiel, Omar Andrés Narváez, Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. and Jeffrey Mathebula, amongst others. Whether fighting brawlers, taller boxers or supposedly stronger men, Donaire has always had an emphatic answer and has become known for scoring spectacular stoppages.

Nishioka’s career at the championship level began ominously as he went 0-2-2 in four world title fights against the same man: Veeraphol Sahaprom. Three of these setbacks were especially razor thin, and the two even bouts were actually split draws.

Undeterred, Nishioka captured the interim WBC title in 2008, which he quickly elevated to full championship status in his next bout with a stoppage win over Genaro Garcia. Other Nishioka victims during his championship reign include Jhonny González, Rendall Munroe and Rafael Márquez. Having made six defenses since he became the full WBC 122-pound champion, Nishioka is riding a 16-fight winning streak (overall) dating back to 2004.

Before analyzing the fight’s tactical essentials and potential outcome, here is the tale of the tape for both fighters (record in championship fights includes interim title bouts):

With relatively even credentials and Nishioka offsetting his age disadvantage with supreme conditioning, one of the most important factors in determining the outcome of this fight is ring generalship.

As a slick and strong orthodox fighter, Donaire possesses power in both fists, including a solid straight right hand and a devastating left hook. Whether he is stalking or counter-punching, one of Donaire’s greatest assets is his balance and explosiveness as he uses incredible leverage to throw punches.

For Donaire, negating Nishioka’s lead right hand will be essential. Whether he chooses to counter overtop with his left hook or apply pressure to eventually create openings for his offense, much of his success will come from setting traps and baiting Nishioka into his optimal punching range.

Donaire will have to employ movement to slip punches and return fire quickly. Conventional wisdom would have Donaire move to his left to create openings for his straight right hand down the middle, and while this somewhat negates his left hook, Donaire might have to initiate offense with right hand power punches to create openings for his left.

Nishioka is a quality volume and combination puncher with a devastating straight left hand and uppercut. The fact that both boxers carry explosive power in their left hands is one factor that makes this fight so intriguing. Nishioka will undoubtedly want to circle to his right to optimize the chances to land his straight left hand down the middle, but doing so moves him directly into Donaire’s left hook.

Because Donaire and Nishioka might end up running into each other’s best power punches, watching each fighter’s foot placement will be essential.

Much of the fight’s subtle movement will involve whether Nishioka will be able to get his lead foot outside of Donaire’s. If Nishioka can do this, he will be able to throw his straight left hand down the pipe. Conversely, if Donaire can counter this with feints and half steps back or to the side, he might be able to force Nishioka to lunge with his punches, which will create opportunities for counters.

Nishioka’s straight and sharp punches could still be effective if he crowds Donaire and takes away his leverage. Staying at range is inviting a knockout punch from Donaire, whose greatest key to victory will be variety. A predictable pattern of offense or movement plays right into Nishioka’s hands.

One thing Donaire will want to avoid is loading up on shots the way he did against Mathebula. Donaire could get picked apart if he guns for the knockout, but it seems reasonable to suspect that his punches will be fluid and that he will box intelligently.

Donaire-Nishioka promises to be the ultimate chess match. The most telling blows will likely be the ones where a prior subtle advantage has been established through feints or movement. Given both fighters' versatility, expect a close decision with Donaire taking the fight by scores in the neighborhood of 116-112 or closer.

It's not a mainstream fight, but the bantamweight match between IBF and WBO champion Nonito Donaire and WBC super bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka won't disappoint.

Nishioka, who has fought in the U.S. just three times, will make it four on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10 p.m. ET at the Home Depot Center in Carson City, California.

The dangerous Japanese fighter hasn't fought since Oct. 2011, meaning he could be a bit rusty when he steps into the ring against the Filipino Flash.

Donaire possesses a rare combination of speed and power, and what makes him so dangerous in the ring is the fact that he can fight righty of lefty—a switch hitter if you will. Because of this unorthodox style of fighting, Donaire is able to keep his hands low and deliver punches from all angles.

The 29-year-old Donaire sports a 29-1 record, highlighted by 18 knockouts, one of which you'll see in this video:

But Nishioka is no stranger to knockouts either, as he sports 24 KOs as part of a 39-4-3 record. 

Respect must be given to the 36-year-old Nishioka, and while I do think this will be a close fight, I'm giving the edge to Donaire.

The Filipino Flash has fought more recently, is younger and faster and is used to fighting in the U.S. I think his fighting style presents a difficult matchup for an aging boxer in Nishioka, since Donaire attacks from so many different points.

Donaire is the one drawing most of the revenue and ticket sales for this fight and I think he'll show exactly why he's the one carrying this fight on Saturday night when he defeats Nishioka to hang on to his titles.

Follow me on Twitter: Follow @Pete_Schauer

The Nonito Donaire-Toshiaki Nishioka bout is one of the biggest fights in 2012, but it will likely be under appreciated. It takes place on Saturday, October 13 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

These two elite fighters will battle for super bantamweight supremacy, but the 122 pound division isn't exactly a fan magnet.

Donaire comes in as the man with the most popularity and charisma. The Filipino fighter has the skills to back up the hype as well. He's 29-1 with 18 KOs in his career. His only loss came in his second professional fight.

This will be Donaire's third fight at super bantamweight, and this represents his biggest challenge to date. His last fight was a tough one with Jeffrey Mathebula. Donaire took Mathebula's IBF title, but the judges' scores were a bit one-sided.

Mathebula's size and counter-punching ability gave Donaire more trouble than the scores reflected. That said, Donaire emerged victorious and his clash with Nishioka will be for the IBF and WBO titles.

Nishioka is the WBC super bantamweight champion (though his title will not be on the line). He's a veteran Japanese fighter with a sparkling record of his own. He's 39-4 with 24 KOs and he has the punching power and chin to test Donaire's sturdiness at 122 pounds.

Here's how you can watch the fight:

When: Saturday, October 13, 10:00 p.m. ET

Where: Home Depot Center in Carson City, California

TV: HBO Boxing After Dark

Live Stream: HBOGO (Pay Service)

The Book on Donaire

The man they call the Filipino Flash has the ability to devastate opponents with his speed and his power. The latter was questioned as it relates to Donaire's exploits at 122 pounds, but he dropped Mathebula in the fourth round of their fight, and broke his jaw in the 11th round.

He didn't stop the tough South African, but he did prove he could hurt legitimate super bantamweights. Take a look at the knockdown from a hard left hand. It happens at about the 3:00 mark of the video, but the entire round is entertaining.

Donaire throws punches from all angles, and he generally keeps his hands low. Only fighters with superior quickness, reflexes and instincts can be successful fighting that way. Donaire would definitely fit the description. However, Mathebula landed jabs regularly, but much of that was due to his length advantage.

His challenge against Nishioka will be avoiding or absorbing the WBC champion's power. Donaire will have the speed advantage, but Nishioka is a strong and experienced fighter who is much more comfortable fighting at 122 pounds.

The Book on Nishioka

Two of the four losses on Nishioka's record came to the same man. Veeraphol Sahaprom had Nishoka's number in half of the two men's epic clashes. They fought each other four times from 2000 to 2004, and Nishioka never defeated him.

The other two bouts were ruled split decision draws.

Aside from his clashes with Sahaprom, Nishioka has been dominant throughout his career. The other losses on his record came when he was 19 years old. He turned 36 years old in July. 

He is coming off an extensive layoff, though. His last fight took place in October of 2011. It was a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Marquez. Ring rust could be a concern after a year out of the ring.

The win over Marquez was significant for a few reasons: Nishioka defended his WBC title against a reputable opponent, it ran his win-streak to 16 straight fights, and it all came in front of an American audience.

The win was just the third fight in Nishioka's career in the United States. The Donaire fight will be his fourth, and the first time he's had consecutive fights in the United States.

His lack of exposure in America is a reason he doesn't get the attention he deserves. Too often quality foreign fighters are ignored because they fight primarily in their own country.

This guy is a tremendous fighter with solid technique and big power. Check out this knockout vs. Jhonny Gonzalez in 2009. The bomb drops at the 1:21 mark of the video:

The combination of Nishioka's southpaw stance, his experience and his power makes him a dangerous fighter.

Prediction

This could be an amazing fight. Donaire's speed, power and instincts makes me give him the edge, but it isn't by much. I respect Nishioka's experience and power as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see him catch and hurt Donaire early.

He's smart and he has good timing to go with the pop. Still, I believe Donaire will outbox Nishioka and win more exchanges.

It will be a close and possibly disputed decision victory for Donaire.

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A knockout win or a very impressive victory by Nonito Donaire over top rated Japanese fighter Toshiaki Nishioka will likely catch the attention of the cable networks like HBO and Showtime for possible pay-per-view (PPV) headliner fight next year.

Donaire has what it takes to be a PPV star because of his entertaining style and his awesome displays of speed and power as he moves around the ring.

An indication Donaire is ripe to headline a PPV fight of his own is the fact that he has already attracted substantial attendance numbers in his most recent fights.

Earlier reports show almost all tickets for his showdown with Nishioka have been sold out, with still  four days before the fight at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California on Saturday.

Donaire's promoter Bob Arum said, via inquirer.net, only the $35.00 seats which are in the rafters are up for grabs in the weekend boxing event.

“Everybody who loves boxing (will) come out to The Home Depot Center because they are going to see a card second to none. Two great fights and a terrific undercard and tickets reasonably priced. Almost all of the tickets are sold except for the $35 tickets. So for $35 you can watch history,” said Arum.

Days before Donaire's encounter with Jeffrey Meathebula, Arum said the Filipino Flash has yet to prove his worth in the PPV market.

“It’s all about visibility,” Arum told the Asian Journal in July. “You don’t become a pay-per-view fighter until people are used to seeing you in difficult fights like Manny [Pacquiao], it took him some time to [become a pay-per-view fighter]. Same thing will happen to Nonito Donaire.”

Arum also said that Donaire should consider moving up to a higher weight class as fighters in the heavier categories appeal more to the PPV market.

Donaire was reportedly guaranteed $750,000 for the Mathebula fight which is about the same purse he got for facing Omar Narvaez last year. Top Rank has yet to disclose Donaire's guaranteed purse for facing Nishioka.

But Arum hinted Donaire will be headlining a PPV fight next year if he performs well against Niashioka.

The main undercard for the HBO-televised card is a 10-round Junior welterweight fight between Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado.  

Abner Mares (24-0-1, 13 KO) will defend his WBC super bantamweight belt against Anselmo Moreno (33-1-1, 12 KO) on Showtime this Oct. 13.

Ring Magazine reports that Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions is still finalizing the fight, but it looks like the fight is close.

Mares won his belt after defeating Puerto Rican veteran Eric Morel (45-3, 23 KO) this past April.

Moreno (33-1-1, 12 KO) is a 27-year-old bantamweight boxing phenom. He's reigned four years as the WBA bantamweight world champion, but has fought as a super bantamweight before.

Whoever wins would definitely put themselves head and shoulders above any other potential opponent for division king Nonito Donaire (29-1, 18 KO).

Donaire stepped up to the super bantamweight division this year to earn the WBO belt from Wilfredo Vazquez (21-2-1, 18 KO) and the IBF belt this past July from Jeffrey Mathebula (26-4-2, 14 KO).

Since Mares hopes to face Donaire soon, he must be impressive against Moreno. That's a tough task due to the slickness and defensive skills of Moreno, but it will be an effort well worth the reward.

Mares' only other competition in a battle to land Donaire is Guillermo Rigondeaux (10-0, 8 KO), who has yet to fight any of the elite fighters in his division despite his legendary amateur background.

If Mares can defeat Moreno, the only thing standing in his way of a big event against Donaire is Toshiaki Nishioka (39-4-3, 24 KO), who Donaire faces on Oct. 13 on HBO.

Nishioka is currently one of the best fighters of the super bantamweight division and may pull an upset. The Japanese legend may not be as well known in the States as Donaire, but he is a legendary fighter.

Earning the opportunity to face either fighter should be relished as an opportunity to show who's truly the best fighter the division has to offer.

For more sports and entertainment news and analysis, follow me on Twitter @justindavidtate.

Earlier today, Ringtv.com announced that The Ring junior featherweight title will be up for grabs in the October 13 showdown between Nonito Donaire, 29(18)-1 and Toshiaki Nishioka, 39(24)-4(1)-3. 

As the four alphabet soup organizations have seen their prestige decline in recent years, boxing fans have increasingly come to view The Ring belt holder as the world champion of record in a given weight. Under most circumstances, a vacant Ring title can only be filled by a matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked fighters in a weight class.

But under certain conditions, The Ring editorial board will sometimes opt to recognize the winner of a one-and-three matchup as the champ. That is what is happening here. Nishioka is ranked No. 1 at 122, while Donaire is ranked No. 3.

Still, nobody can deny that Donaire is a special case. The Ring has him ranked No. 4 overall, pound-for-pound. While some writers, including myself, feel that is a bit high, by any rational standard his record at 118 and below, along with his continued success since moving to 122, most certainly justify a spot some place in the pound-for-pound Top 10. 

In addition, in the wake of his July unanimous decision victory over Jeffrey Mathebula, he now holds the IBF and WBO straps. Nishioka has been the reigning WBC champ, and the winner of this fight will be recognized by the WBC as the "Diamond" world champ.

I have no idea exactly what a "Diamond" world champion is, but I do know the winner will be recognized as No. 1 in the world by three of the four major sanctioning bodies.

Given Donaire's overall resume, I have to agree with The Ring's decision to make the winner here their champion. 

Meanwhile, No. 2 ranked Guillermo Rigendeaux, 10(8)-0, is left temporarily on the outside looking in. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and current WBA world champion has been a phenomenon since defecting from Cuba and turning professional in 2009, annihilating just about everyone in his path.

I have to believe the winner of Donaire-Nishioka will feel tremendous pressure to take on Rigendeaux next. If Donaire wins, he is a super star solidifying his pound-for-pound status. If Nishioka takes the bout, he will explode into the consciousness of the North American fanbase. 

Rigendeaux will be waiting in the wings, a very highly thought-of and exciting southpaw, holding the final piece of the puzzle for becoming the true, undisputed 122 pound champion. 

It could very well end up being among the most highly anticipated lower weight class bouts of recent years.