Donaire to fight Darchinyan in long-awaited rematch

SINGAPORE — It’s been an up and down year so far for Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (31-2, 20 knockouts).

Donaire suffered his first loss in 12 years, dropping a wide unanimous decision to Guillermo Rigondeaux in a highly technical affair in April, which saw the Filipino thoroughly out-boxed and out-pointed for the first time as a professional prizefighter.

While outside the ring, hope springs eternal as Donaire’s wife Rachel Marcial-Donaire gave birth to the couple’s first child back in July, a bouncing baby boy named Jarel.

This November, Donaire resumes his career against an old rival in Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan (39-5-1, 28 knockouts). It’s poised to be an epic rematch between two former adversaries.

Going way back

Donaire first burst onto the boxing scene in 2007, when he decked the then-undefeated Darchinyan with a smashing check hook that left the Armenian native scrambling for his senses. Darchinyan couldn’t beat the count and was knocked out by the fast-rising star.

The stoppage over Darchinyan earned Donaire the “Knockout of the Year” award from various organizations, including RING magazine amongst others, but more importantly, it put Donaire in the spotlight as he quickly rose through the ranks.

After the Darchinyan fight, Donaire then went on a tear through the lighter weight divisions, decimating high-level opponents en-route to building an impressive resume. He even peaked as high as #3 on some mythical pound-for-pound lists.

Darchinyan, on the other hand, suffering the first defeat of his career, struggled to then get back to top form shortly after, losing to big names like Joseph Agbeko, Abner Mares and Anselmo Moreno. He is however, on a 2-fight win streak at the moment.

Welcome to featherweight

The rematch with Darchinyan brings Donaire back to his humble beginnings as an up-and-comer. The pair will touch gloves at the Featherweight limit of 126 lbs.

If their first fight is any indication of the kind of bout we’re to expect from two top caliber athletes, then Donaire-Darchinyan II is going to be an instant classic.

The fight also marks Donaire’s introduction into the Featherweight division.

“I want to come back and establish my name and that’s all I’m thinking of right now,” said Donaire in a recent interview with Boxing Scene.

“I’m getting ready and will train hard and not let anything disrupt his preparation. When I’m in shape to start sparring again, I will drive to Oxnard once in a while to work on a game-plan with trainer Robert Garcia,” he added.

Robert Garcia is currently training Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios for his clash against Manny Pacquiao in November. – Rappler.com