11 Years to the day of the first epic battle between Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera at the very same Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, “The Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire (26-1 18 KO`s) took center stage against one of the worlds best Batamweights in Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (44-3-2 34 KO`s) for Montiel`s WBC and WBO Batamweight titles. In what many thought would be the second huge fight of 2011, the fight once again didn’t live up to the hype, but don’t blame Nonito.
After the opening round in which Nonito was clearly faster and landed the harder punches especially the left hand bombs to the body, Donaire landed a good straight right hand and a few more left hooks until about one minute remaining in the round when he absorbed a Montiel right hand only to unleash a LEFT hook the would’ve dropped an elephant. As Nonito literally jumped for joy in the neutral corner, a sprawled out Montiel`s body twitched on the canvas. I don’t think he knew he was on the floor, It was almost as if he still thought he was on his feet and tried punching! Montiel made it to his feet but looked dazed and confused as Referee Russell Mora counted to nine. Montiel was asked to step forward and show a sign that he wanted to continue but he just stood there. Mora practically grabbed Fernando`s gloves, gave him a shake and made him continue only to sustain another left hook and straight right from “The Flash” before the bout was called to a halt.
I`m not one for early stoppages, but I think these fighters know what they do for a living and more times than not would rather go out on their shield than have a ref stop a fight early on them. This wasn’t one of those times. Montiel was a rag doll and after he couldn’t step forward and give his gloves to Mora to show he wanted to continue, the fight should`ve been stopped. Although I have seen worse decisions by referees in the past, the fight only lasted a few more seconds.
In his post fight interview with HBO`s Max Kellerman, Donaire said he called a second round KO three months ago in camp. Donaire also said that he allowed Montiel to get a little comfortable in the second round so he can time his punches with his “Matrix like Slow-Motion vision” in the ring! Safe to say it worked. As for Nonito`s future, Donaire claimed to unify the Batamweight titles, and if that were to not happen he would move up in weight to 122lbs or even possibly 126lbs to take on the heavy competition up there. Personally, I think the sky is the limit for Donaire and his left hook might be one of the most dangerous punches in the game, and if you don’t believe me then just go ask Vic Darchinyan. Congrats to the new Batamweight King.
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