THE FILIPINO FLASH (Photo : Jhay Oh Otamias)
MANILA, Philippines -- After a crushing defeat at the hands of Jamaican sensation, Nicholas "Axe Man" Walters last October 2014, former multi-division champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire is picking up the pieces of his once stellar career.
Donaire began with a scintillating second round annihilation of William Prado last March, and is now scheduled to fight another low caliber opponent in Anthony Settoul of France this coming July 18 at the Cotai Arena in Macao, China.
Just a few years removed from being the consensus third best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Donaire is expected to make easy work of Settoul like he did with Prado.
You may recall that Donaire, 32, went on a tear with high-profile victories between 2011 and 2012.
Beginning with his spectacular one punch knockout of then WBO bantamweight champion Fernando "KO Chulito" Montiel, which won "Knockout of the Year" honors at ESPN and most other publications, Donaire captivated fight fans with his lightning quick speed and devastating left hook.
It wasn't until Donaire ran into Cuban standout Guillermo Rigondeaux that he began his decline.
Rigondeaux exposed Donaire and made him look amateurish in a lopsided unanimous decision verdict in favor of the two time Olympic gold medallist.
Much of Donaire's woes however stem from his waning love for the game. Donaire often complained that training was such a chore growing up as a young boxer, and that his father was very strict and tough on him in the gym.
The disdain for the Sweet Science apparently carried over into his adult years, despite being ultra-talented and beaming with potential. Donaire's best asset as a fighter is his ring intelligence. He is often able to read opponents like an open book, exploiting weaknesses and capitalizing on mistakes.
Donaire is also tall and lanky, and possesses a height and reach advantage over the majority of guys in and around his weight class. The combination of speed, power and athleticism makes Donaire a tough matchup for virtually anybody.
Despite Donaire's inherent physical and mental gifts, he has somewhat underachieved to a certain degree. He was never going to be the "next" Manny Pacquiao, but he did have the potential to get to that level although few fighters ever do.
As far as his career goes, if Donaire can regain his focus, he can still make a lot of noise in this sport. A quick glance at the 122 pound division and, save for Rigondeaux who sits firmly at the top of the rankings, there aren't a lot of guys that Donaire can't handle.
The big money fight in this weight class is against Leo Santa Cruz, the unbeaten hard-hitting Mexican-American. If Donaire can regain his confidence with a win over Settoul, the next target should be Santa Cruz and then a rematch with Rigondeaux.
If he's able to somehow get the Rigondeaux fight and beat his Cuban tormentor then Donaire can ride off into the sunset knowing he went out on his own terms.
Donaire battles Anthony Settoul next Saturday, July 18 at the Cotai Arena at The Venetian Macao in Macao, China.
