Nonito Donaire vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux

For all of those that missed the fight between Nonito Donaire and Guillermo Rigondeaux and want to know every detail of what went down through the 12 rounds we bring you our Round By Round for Donaire-Rigondeaux:

Nonito Donaire is the real deal.  Rigondeaux has the amateur credentials of Ivan Drago. Boxing experts call Rigondeaux “The best amateur fighter of all-time.” He won a championship in his 7th pro fight. But the 11-0, 122 pound Rigondeaux is about to face his toughest opponent, the top pound-for-pound slugger Nonito Donaire.

Who blinks first? We are about to find out!

Michael Buffer is doing his thing. Donaire is sporting yellow trunks with black strips and Rigo is wearing green with white. (We will call Rigondeaux “Rigo” for short) Here comes the stare down. It’s showtime!

Round 1

Action starts quick. Rigo lands a good left hand that knocks Donaire back. The left hand is working well for Rigo. The fight is taking place in the middle of the ring. And Rigo is winning this round. He is landing well. Both fighters are pawing with the jab, using it to unload with vicious shots. These guys are going for the knockout.

Rigo 10-9

Round 2

Action is in center again. Rigo is keeping his distance with the jab. He got Nonito’s respect early in the first round. This round is more cautious for both. Rigo lands a great left body shot followed by left to the head. The fight is moving at a pace Rigo likes. He takes round two.

Rigo 10-9

Round 3

Donaire still can’t find a way to get inside. He is stalking well but can’t get inside. Rigo keeps his distance well. Slips punches and unexpectedly attacked Nonito at the end of the second minute with the straight left. Rigo is out-boxing the master boxer. The fighters’ exchange hard shots at the end of the round but Rigo takes another.

Rigo 10-9

Round 4

Donaire uses a sense of urgency in round 4. He lands a good right hand to the body in the second minute. But Rigo is relaxed. Paws the jab and the left hand. In the last twenty seconds the fighters exchange power bombs. Both guys staggered at the sound of the bell.

Rigo 10-9

Round 5

That left hand keeps landing for Rigo. And when they get in the trenches, Rigo does a great job of holding Nonito, keeping the Bay Area native from throwing any inside shots. Jab and pace to the right. Jab and pace to the right. Rigo is in the zone. This is not an action round, just good boxing for Rigo. Donaire needs to change something quick.

10-9 Rigo

Round 6

The action is tense and Donaire looks confused. He pressures Rigo but can’t find the target. A massive left hand in the middle of the round rocked Donaire. But he takes it well and continues to attack with little success.

Rigo 10-9

Round 7

Donaire landed three punches in round six. He needs to be more aggressive but can’t get inside. It’s the same story. This is a game of cat and mouse. This time the cat stalked well enough to win. The round goes to Donaire because of Rigo’s inactivity.

10-9 Nonito

Round 8

The action is in center all fight. Donaire can’t find Rigo. He stalks and stalks with no success. The round is quiet. The crowd is quiet. And Nonito Donaire’s stress level increased.

10-9 Rigo

Round 9

Donaire got hit with a good uppercut in the second minute. Donaire’s pressure is consistent. But he keeps eating jabs. Donaire’s face is beginning to swell. Rigo is in total command. He stays on the outside and circles out of any pressure.

Rigo 10-9

Round 10

We are near the championship rounds and Donaire has only won one close round. He is coming out strong in this round. Boom! Rigo goes down hard by a vicious left hook. Rigo gets up quick. Donaire stalks hard now. He hits Rigo with another right/left combo to the head. But Rigo is relaxed and comes back with a super straight left that froze Donaire. This is the best round of the fight. Donaire is looking at the show!

10-8 Nonito

Round 11

Nonito is gambling with haymakers. He almost landed with a wide left hand. Rigo is tagging Donaire in this round. He takes control again with the left hand. There is a look of discouragement on Donaire’s face at the sound of the bell.

Rigo 10-9

Round 12

Nonito got hit with a solid left straight left hand. His right eye is black and blue and nose bloodied. Rigo is pounding Donaire in round 12. Straight power shots have backed Donaire to the ropes. This round is easy to score.

Rigo 10-9

TSS scores the fight – 118-109

The judges scorecards read

114-113 115-112, 116-111. All in favor of Guillermo Rigondeaux.