The WBO super bantamweight title bout between Nonito Donaire, Jr and Cesar Juarez turned into a bloody brawl and is a legitimate 'Fight of the Year' candidate.
It was given a four-star rating by All the Best Fights, and in the comments, 'tango 2042' agreed with the assessment.
"Very exciting fight, plenty of action from the middle part up. The efforts placed by both boxers were commendable. No doubts that Nonito is technically a better boxer than the Mexican however was Cesar, a real warrior with a lot of heart, who made this fight so interesting and deserving the 4 starts qualification."
(Watch the full fight here and rate it.)
After a well-received, hotly contested bout, the talk of a rematch is a natural development. Donaire said he is willing to grant Juarez another shot but it may have to wait.
According to PhilStar, the Filipino boxer will have some obligations as the new champion. He also signed a contract with Top Rank for three fights in 2016.
"If the WBO orders an immediate defense against Magdaleno, Donaire will take that route," PhilStar wrote. "Magdaleno, 24, is unbeaten like Quigg and Frampton. His record is 22-0, with 16 KOs. Last October, the 5-4 southpaw figured in his first 10-round fight and he disposed of Vergel Nebran in 142 seconds in Phoenix."
However, the Filipino Flash" had other plans before the Juarez fight was declared a title bout, and he may also explore them. He was supposed to take on Scott Quigg but the latter chose to sign a match with Carl Frampton in an IBF/WBA superbantamweight unification championship duel.
PhilStar mentions "Donaire won't hesitate to tangle with either Quigg or Frampton in the UK if that's what Top Rank and (Donaire manager Cameron)Dunkin want. Quigg, 27, is a 5-8 Englishman with a 31-0-2 record, including 23 KOs. Frampton, 28, is from Belfast and totes a 21-0 record, including 14 KOs."
Whatever fight he chooses, Donaire has definitely placed himself back on the list of boxing's better draws.