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Nonito Donaire, Julio Cesar Chavez, JR. & The February Fights – Boxing News

By Gina L. Caliboso

Ah, February. It’s the dreaded month with the beloved holiday, Valentine’s Day. So, RSR Readers, better start planning now. Get the cards. Plan for the flowers. NEVER buy the lingerie – that’s just my opinion – we prefer gift cards. NO BALLOONS! But before you step out to get the Valentine’s Day greeting card, let’s take a look at some of the upcoming fights set for February.

February 4th

Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire, 27-1, 18 KO’s, is set to fight against Wilfredo Vazquez, JR., 21-1, 18 KO’s, in Texas.

In his last bout, against Omar A. Narvaez, Donaire successfully defended both the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles. But with those titles now vacated, Donaire will be fighting for the currently vacant WBO Super Bantamweight title. In his bout against Narvaez, Donaire had to go 12 rounds before earning the unanimous decision. Going back to 2010, Donaire’s prior bouts were all earned by either TKO or KO. He hasn’t come across an opponent just yet, with the exception of Narvaez to really give him ring time and establish his skill at a five pound weight gain.

Donaire can ride a wave of confidence and continue his winning ways, or perhaps, in his last bout, get pushed to 12 rounds and forced to earn the win by decision. I do not doubt Donaire’s boxing ability or skill; however, he should consider that a move up to featherweight may be a possibility. But for now, bantamweight and super bantamweight division fighters beware. Donaire is at the top of his boxing now and no fighter should be afraid to take a risk to fight him.

Julio Cesar Chavez, JR, 44-0-1, 31 KO’s, vs. Marco Antonio Rubio, 53-5-1, 46 KO’s.

On the same card, the Chavez, JR., has an opportunity to continue to work his way through the middleweight ranks. Chavez, JR., is currently ranked #4 among middleweights with the much improved Andy Lee ranked #5. I consider the possibility that Chavez, JR., would make a great run for Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, the #1 ranked middleweight, but the younger Chavez needs to fine tune just a bit. At 6’0, he’s going to have to fight tall and develop dominant power against his opponents. I’m sure Trainer Roach is properly advising his young charge and he will successfully defend his WBC Middleweight title.

February 11th

Andre Berto, 28-1, 22 KO’s vs. Victor Ortiz, 29-3-2, 22 KO’s – REMATCH

Let’s just erase Ortiz’s performance against Mayweather, JR., for a moment. These two really bring out the best in each other – but in an ugly way. In their last bout, both fighters had knockdowns. And later, Ortiz got deducted a point for a hit behind the head. Berto and Ortiz are very powerful fighters. Ortiz earned the 12 round unanimous decision, but mentally, he truly needs to shake off any residual performance or criticism post Mayweather, JR. At 24, Ortiz can truly make an impact on the division and is currently ranked #6. Similarly, Berto, 28, is ranked #4. Pacquiao and Mayweather, JR., occupy the #1 and #2 ranks. Plea to Ortiz and Berto? Make your presence known and fight.

February 14th – Valentine’s Day – JUST A REMINDER!

February 18th

Paul “Punisher” Williams, 40-2, 27 KO’s vs. Nobuhiro Ishida, 24-6-2, 9 KO’s

After his 2nd round KO loss against Martinez back in December 2010, Williams finally fought again in November against Erislandy Lara, 15-1, 10 KO’s in July 2011. I don’t recall this fight, but the decision ended up as a 12 round MD. Fighting at light middleweight, Williams is currently ranked #4, Miguel Cotto ranks #1 and Saul Alvarez ranks #2. It’s a tough division for Williams to remain competitive. But I’m glad he’s back. I like Williams and perhaps the KO was a wake-up call for the tall fighter to evolve.

February 25th

Marcos Rene Maidana, 31-2, 28 KO’s vs. Devon Alexander, 22-1, 13 KO’s

Argentine Maidana impressed me in his loss to Khan. Maidana truly is the type of fighter you can expect the unexpected. Against Khan, he suffered a knockdown in the early rounds, but much like Marquez, he shook it off and gave Khan a rough time in the championship rounds. You simply cannot count a fighter like Maidana out of any good matchup. Alexander, by contrast, disappointed me in his bout against Bradley. In his last bout back in June 2011 against Lucas Martin Matthysse, Alexander scored a 10 round split decision despite having been down in the 4th round. In the Bradley bout, he lost in a 10th round TD. Southpaw Alexander must come out aggressive and not get caught by the free and tough swinging Maidana.

Now, faithful RSR Readers, you have the February fight month all planned. Just put this aside and go celebrate and plan for Valentine’s Day as I’ve given some wonderful advice. Luckily the holiday falls on a Tuesday so there shall be no conflict as to the above mentioned fight schedule.

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