JUDGING by the way Nonito Donaire Jr. and Guillermo Rigondaeux did their staredown, expect sparks to fly when they finally meet inside the ring Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time).
The two engaged each other in an intense eyeball-to-eyeball gaze during Wednesday’s final presser in what could be a prelude to their 12-round unification bout for the world super-bantamweight title at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Both champions said nothing much other than claiming they’re the best fighter at the 122-lbs division today.
But it was their mean stare at each other in the center of the stage that caught the attention of many of those in attendance at the Madison Square Garden Theater Lobby.
With folded arms, neither Donaire or Rigondeaux blink as they see each other eye-to-eye for a couple of minutes, and refused to let go even after the promoters said it’s enough.
Donaire, the reigning World Boxing Organization champion, said people will see the best in him as if his recent third round demolition of Mexican legend Jorge Arce was not enough.
“You’ll see the best from Nonito Donaire,” declared the Filipino (31-1, 20 KOs). “This is gonna be an incredible fight. We don’t doubt Rigondeaux’s skill.”
The 32-year-old Rigondaeux from Cuba and holder of the World Boxing Association version of the belt, said he `doesn’t talk too much,’ and would rather make his case inside the ring
“I’m gonna demonstrate I’m the best fighter at 122 lbs,” said the Olympic gold medalist, who has a ring record of 11-0, including eight KOs, and won the WBA championship in only his ninth fight.
The few bouts that he had as a pro being used as a great knack on him, the Cuban’s manager, Pedro Diaz believes people will no longer doubt him by the time the fight is over.
“You’re going to see why Guillermo Rigondeaux is in this position with only 11 fights,” disclosed Diaz.
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