Nonito Donaire (Photo : REUTERS)
MACAU, China -- As expected, former five division world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire (35-3, 23 KO's) made quick and easy work of France's Anthony Settoul (20-4, 8 KO's) last Saturday, at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China.
Just like he did with little known William Prado back in March, Donaire whooped Settoul with his trademark finesse and devastating knockout power.
The Filipino-American sent his opponent to the canvas once in the first round with an uppercut to the midsection, causing a 3-second delayed reaction before Settoul took a knee. Donaire continued his dominance all the way into the second round.
The end came mercifully midway through the next stanza, as Donaire caught Settoul with a right hook to the jaw that sent him sprawling to the mat.
As referee Danrex Tapdasan gave the Frenchman the mandatory 8-count, Settoul's corner threw in the towel and the fight was waved off, awarding a TKO victory to Donaire, his second straight.
It was a highlight reel performance for Donaire whose speed, power and technique were on full display.
Donaire is now 2-0 since dropping a loss to Nicholas Walters last year, handily outclassing unheralded fighters Prado and Settoul -- both considered journeymen in the sport.
Judging by his performance in both fights, Donaire still has the speed and the ability to remain competitive against almost anyone in his division, proving that he has way more left in the tank to remain competitive at the sport's highest levels.
The ultra-talented pinoy warrior has always had a knack for deciphering an opponent's style, it was the biggest reason for his two latest stoppage wins.
Next up is a rumored year-end finale in November against the United Kingdom's Scott Quigg, the undefeated WBA world super bantamweight champion.
Recently, Quigg expressed his interest to face Donaire and talks have begun behind closed doors, with Dubai and Manchester as potential sites.
If Donaire and Quigg are able to ink a deal, the fight will put Quigg's WBA 122 lb. belt on the line, providing Donaire with another opportunity to claim a world title. Quigg however, is certainly no pushover the likes of Prado and Settoul.
At just 26 years old, six years Donaire's junior, Quigg is unbeaten in 33 professional fights and boasts a decent knockout percentage. He's won seven of his last 10 by knockout, but he has yet to face an opponent of Donaire's caliber.
Quigg's most recent victory over Kiko Martinez just this past weekend however certainly suggests that he's ready for the task. With both Donaire and Quigg coming off of victories, the stage is set for the much anticipated showdown of junior featherweights.
Donaire's power, technique and most importantly speed will play huge roles in a potential matchup with Quigg.
A victory would set Donaire up for another stretch in the limelight and possibly a rematch with his crafty Cuban tormentor, Guillermo Rigondeaux.
