Donaire fans, explain your way out of this?

Question

Ive listened to three people say "Donaire brought the fight to Rigo". If so please explain these points.

1. The supposed "knockdown" was actually when Donaire had his elbow in Rigos throat, when he took a step back (squaring his feet) to get his throat out his neck, Donaire hit him knocking him down. Granted a knockdown, but in no point was he in trouble.

2. Donaire actually THREW less than Rigo. Odd number if your position is he was the aggressor. Why wasnt he swinging? Unless he himself was actually getting hurt and had to keep his guard high and the walk down was posturing.

3. Ive had thumbs in my eye, many times many rounds. Thumbs in the eye DO NOT make your eye and cheek swell up and close, they just hurt.

Final: If all Rigo was doing was running from the "force of Donaire" (which I dont think is possible for him to feel considering Donaire literally threw 20 punches a round) why wasnt Donaire angy and wanting an immediate rematch? Why so apologetic? Why come to a fight so out of condition? Why say IF Rigo moves up a weight class he would consider a rematch?

It isnt fair to conclude that even DONAIRE knew he cant beat this kid? The kid took him to school (and HURT Donaire) with only 11 professional fights under his belt. Hes supposed to look amateurish.

Donaire is not.

Ernest Ian · Accepted Answer

Donaire fan here. (Also, a Rigo fan actually.)

Firstly, I'd like to make it clear that Rigo outclassed Donaire. No question.

However, I believe that there are tactical changes that Donaire can do to win against the crafty Cuban. 

The pressure to perform was on the Filipino's shoulders in that fight and he might've felt obligated to force the issue by attacking Rigo---and Rigo is a master counterpuncher! Donaire was sucked into a trap.

If a rematch is to be done, I won't advise Donaire to play the forward game. I'd rather like him to play the strict counterpuncher (a style he's best at) and hide behind his jab. Let Rigo initiate the attack and we'll see how the Cuban handle the difference.

To answer your questions:
1) Yes. The knockdown was a fluke as it was from a incidental scramble. I am even impressed by how Rigo took the shot.

2) He was the aggressor in terms of forcing the engagement. He threw less because, yes he's hurt and he wanted that one punch KO. But Rigo counter blitz him with combinations.

3) Thumb in eye hurt but I have to disagree with you, they can make your eye swell. In Donaire's case, he got hit that's all. 

Donaire knew that (especially after the fight) Rigo is a difficult puzzle. And you are right, he took him to school. School teach people to learn a thing or two, I hope Donaire learned enough to give Rigo fits in their next fight. 

Boxing needs another rivalry and this is something I'd like to see unfold because these boxers are probably two of the most skillful fighters today.

bundini · Answer

Nothing to explain here.  Rigo won and Donaire lost.  Donaire himself acknowledged that.

? · Answer

ok, i give up....but whats the big deal, he already lost once and managed to come back big time...

donaire though he lost still is a great fighter and beat a lot of greats...while rigon did a good job against donaire, he still have to defend his titles and still need to prove a lot

Donaire fans, explain your way out of this?

3 Answers