Dougie’s Monday Mailbag (Nonito Donarie, Haney-Linares)

DONAIRE, HANEY & SOME KOSTYA TSZYU WHAT-IFS?

Hello Dougie,

First time writing shortly however nonetheless an avid Mailbag reader, as I’ve been for what should be shut to twenty years.

Nonito Donaire has an epic left hook! I first noticed him years in the past when he leveled Vic Darchinyan and I’m ecstatic he’s nonetheless going. I assumed after the Inoue struggle, he wouldn’t be the identical anymore, however very pleased to be confirmed incorrect. I wish to see him journey off into the sundown although and into the HOF. Does he maintain going?

What did you make of Devin Haney? I hoped he would make an announcement and get Jorge Linares out of there. I believe that struggle confirmed he nonetheless has an extended solution to go, which is okay since he’s solely 22. I’m not even certain he’s prime 5 at 135.

Lastly, if Kostya Tszyu had moved as much as 147, how would he have fared? I don’t assume he would have crushed any of the elite welterweights of the mid to late 90s, however within the early 2000s he would of had success.

MM: De La Hoya vs Tszyu at 140 & 147. Thanks mate. Regards. – Will

I’ve been given this specific Legendary Matchup many occasions earlier than, and my opinion doesn’t probability, though Kostya will at all times be a KING in my eyes, and I seldom choose in opposition to him in junior welterweight dream fights, the Jesus Rivero-trained 140-pound model The Golden Boy is without doubt one of the few exceptions. I like Oscar by shut, perhaps majority choice at 140 kilos, and through aggressive however clear UD at 147.

I believe Tszyu would have had a number of success had he instantly moved to welterweight after attaining undisputed 140-pound champion standing along with his second-round TKO of Zab Judah in November 2001.

In my not-so humble opinion, The Thunder From Down Beneath would have decapitated all six heads of Andrew Lewis (who held the WBA belt from 2001-2002) and he would have obliterated Michele Piccirillo (who held the IBF title from 2002-2003). As underrated as I consider Cory Spinks was/is (I assumed the St. Louis southpaw outpointed middleweight champ Jermain Taylor), I believe the Subsequent Era Jinx’s type was tailor made for Tszyu, who I envision scoring a late stoppage the way in which Judah did of their rematch. Talking of Judah, a rematch with King Kostya at 147 would have been attention-grabbing. I nonetheless give Tszyu the sting however I believe the welterweight model of Judah fares rather a lot higher than he did at 140, I see that one going the gap. Ricardo Mayorga’s unorthodox power-hitting may need given Tszyu some issues, however for the reason that Matador wasn’t actually a pressure-fighting quantity puncher, I can see Kostya choosing him aside with extra correct energy photographs from mid-distance. However Mayorga was robust and artful. That may’ve been a harmful task. So would Vernon Forrest, the person that Mayorga dethroned. Tszyu had the distinctive type and expertise to beat Forrest within the amateurs, however the professional welterweight model of the Viper was a whole boxer-puncher, Forrest may need been in a position to acquire revenge had that struggle (which Tszyu had thought of) been made.

Nonito Donaire has an epic left hook! Probably the greatest ever, for my part. Put it up there with Joe Frazier’s “Whip from the Hip” and Felix Trinidad’s “Grim Reaper Sickle-Hook.”

I first noticed him years in the past when he leveled Vic Darchinyan and I’m ecstatic he’s nonetheless going. That One-Hitter-Quitter of my man Darch Vader was The Ring’s KO and Upset of the 12 months. What a solution to obtain elite-boxer standing and for a Filipino flyweight to blow up into American boxing followers’ consciousness. I used to be ringside for his professional debut and third professional bout, which passed off on the Hollywood Park On line casino in Inglewood, California – 20 years in the past, across the similar time that I began doing the Mailbag column on MaxBoxing.com – and whereas I might see that Nonito was brimming with uncooked expertise, I had no concept on the time that I used to be witnessing a future first-ballot corridor of famer.

I assumed after the Inoue struggle, he wouldn’t be the identical anymore, however very pleased to be confirmed incorrect. That was a good take given his age, time within the sport and the brutal nature of the 2019 Combat of the 12 months, however I assumed he was very reside vs. Oubaali, who is powerful and competent, however tailored for Donaire’s stalk-and-counter type. Of the 2 veterans in motion on Saturday, I assumed Donaire had the higher probability of pulling the upset as a consequence of his dependable chin and freakish energy.

I wish to see him journey off into the sundown although and into the HOF. Does he maintain going? After all! He needs a rematch with Inoue. If Guillermo Rigondeaux beats his countryman John Riel Casimero for the WBO belt in August, he may desire a revenge unification conflict with the Cuban legend.

What did you make of Devin Haney? I assumed he seemed completely sensational for eight rounds. I used to be extraordinarily impressed along with his jab – and the variation he exhibited with that left stick – and his management of distance and power-punch accuracy. Haney was razor sharp to my eyes, whereas Linares was merely robust and sport (not practically as artful as I anticipated him to be), however the 35-year-old veteran’s tenacity made for an entertaining struggle from Rounds 4-10.

I hoped he would make an announcement and get Jorge Linares out of there. If he might really punch at 135, he would have iced Linares in some unspecified time in the future as a result of he nailed the worldly Venezuelan FLUSH along with his finest energy photographs, however nothing occurred. So, in the case of punching energy, that’s one class the place Haney doesn’t not stand out, however I believe he makes up for the dearth of pop with ability, method and ring generalship.

I believe that struggle confirmed he nonetheless has an extended solution to go, which is okay since he’s solely 22. I agree. It was a superb expertise for him. He didn’t take care of his wobbly second the way in which the group wished him to, however he survived and gained the struggle. Now he can look again on these 12 rounds along with his father (and perhaps Ben Davison) and see what he did proper and the place he can enhance. He’s going to should maintain his focus and protection tight down the stretch in opposition to skilled fighters, particularly those that can crack, he’s going to enhance his stamina a bit as a result of I assumed he ran out of some steam after the eight spherical, and a part of the rationale he held a lot in Rounds 11 and 12 was as a consequence of fatigue.

I’m not even certain he’s prime 5 at 135. Haney is No. 3 in The Ring’s light-weight rankings, behind champion Teofimo Lopez, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Ryan Garcia. And I believe that’s a good placement. In actual fact, I can see him changing Garcia at No. 2 based mostly on the Linares victory. If Haney and Garcia have been to struggle, I’d view it as an even-money matchup. Haney would have the sting in ring command however Garcia can be very harmful along with his mix of pace and energy.

 

SHOUT OUT TO THE VETERANS

Hello Dougie –

Shout out to the Vets! Nonito is my man & he did it once more. What’s subsequent for him??

Talking of vets, Devin actually impressed however I believe Linares actually did good work simply not sufficient. I used to be questioning why he didn’t go for broke (final 2 rounds) however I believe he’s earned one other good test or two. Lopez (if he wins) vs. Haney subsequent please.

I really feel like Teofimo beats Haney, Garcia, Davis & Taylor (all entertaining). I believe Taylor ought to positively keep at 140 for just a few fights (Teo & Prograis 2 are good, excessive profile choices).

What’s subsequent for Crawford? Ortiz? Ennis?

I believe PacMan is in opposition to all odds vs Spence however I believe he selected Spence over Crawford for a motive. TC jogs my memory of Hagler within the sense that I get this sense he could stroll away quickly. I may very well be incorrect however he looks as if he referred to as for the WWs by identify prior to now & gained’t do it each interview. I like that Tim Bradley requested for Spence to honor his declare to struggle him subsequent if he beats Manny. Not stepping into whose fault it’s however I assume I simply hate to see wasted primes.

GGG vs Murata in December with mild interim touches first is what I hear. So contemplating 154 Charlo is preventing for all of the straps & if 160 Charlo will get previous his opponent, Charlo vs Andrade appears logical. I simply image it being bizarre on the cookout for one to be totally unified MAYBE & the opposite leaving an apparent unification on the desk…

My remaining thought…  Davis preventing at 140 appears (in my thoughts) to be a man who can’t make 130 however is ready for Teofimo’s inevitable transfer to 140 in order that he can instantly pursue the light-weight titles. I don’t assume I’m hating.

MM:

Duran vs Henry Armstrong (LW)

Willie Pep vs Salvador Sanchez (124)

Sonny Liston vs Joe Louis

Julian Williams vs Trinidad/Hearns (154)

Take care. – Jamaal, Louisiana

Thanks for sharing your ideas with us, Jamaal.

Your Legendary Matchups:

Duran vs Henry Armstrong (LW) – Duran by shut UD (nice struggle)

Willie Pep vs Salvador Sanchez (124) – Pep shut MD or SD

Sonny Liston vs Joe Louis – Louis late TKO

Julian Williams vs Trinidad/Hearns (154) – Tito/Hitman through KO

Nonito is my man & he did it once more. What’s subsequent for him?? His purpose is a rematch with Inoue, but when that showdown can’t be made in a well timed vogue (and let’s face there are typical boxing politics that might get in the way in which of it occurring within the U.S.), I can see the longer term HOFer going through fellow Pinoy Reymart Gaballo (24-0, 20 KOs), who gained the WBC interim title with a controversial SD over Emmanuel Rodriguez in December.

Talking of vets, Devin actually impressed however I believe Linares actually did good work simply not sufficient. Linares was robust and sport sufficient to make the struggle attention-grabbing, however I didn’t see the shut and/or aggressive struggle that the official judges scored. I had Haney shutting the veteran out by way of the primary 10 rounds and dropping solely the championship rounds as a result of extreme holding. I might see Linares successful Rounds 4 and 9, however I believe one has to actually give the three-division titleholder the good thing about the doubt to do this.

I used to be questioning why he didn’t go for broke (final 2 rounds) however I believe he’s earned one other good test or two. Linares was simply as fatigued as Haney was throughout these remaining two rounds, plus he was extra beat up. Nonetheless, he gave an excellent effort and he stays a participant at 135 kilos. I’d like to see him tackle the loser of one of many upcoming high-profile light-weight matchups – Lomachenko-Nakatani on June 26 and Javier Fortuna-JoJo Diaz Jr. on July 9 – or function a gatekeeper to one of many up-and-comers making an attempt to interrupt within the legit rankings like Emmanuel Tagoe or Denys Berinchyk.

Lopez (if he wins) vs. Haney subsequent please. Signal me up for that one.

I really feel like Teofimo beats Haney, Garcia, Davis & Taylor (all entertaining). I can see Lopez being the percentages favourite in all 4 of these matchups, which is truthful. I’d most likely choose him to win all however the Taylor matchup.

I believe Taylor ought to positively keep at 140 for just a few fights (Teo & Prograis 2 are good, excessive profile choices). I agree.

What’s subsequent for Crawford? Ortiz? Ennis? I do not know, however I’ve a suggestion: Ortiz vs. Ennis, and the winner challenges Crawford.

I believe PacMan is in opposition to all odds vs Spence however I believe he selected Spence over Crawford for a motive. Yeah, Crawford is extra of a handful.

TC jogs my memory of Hagler within the sense that I get this sense he could stroll away quickly. It could be an anticlimactic finish to a terrific profession if he did that with no superfight beneath his belt.

I may very well be incorrect however he looks as if he referred to as for the WWs by identify prior to now & gained’t do it each interview. He doesn’t appear keen on interviews, interval.

I like that Tim Bradley requested for Spence to honor his declare to struggle him subsequent if he beats Manny. Not stepping into whose fault it’s however I assume I simply hate to see wasted primes. I’m dropping curiosity within the Spence-Crawford matchup.

GGG vs Murata in December with mild interim touches first is what I hear. Signal me up for the New 12 months’s Eve showdown. I’d attempt to journey to Tokyo for that one.

So contemplating 154 Charlo is preventing for all of the straps & if 160 Charlo will get previous his opponent, Charlo vs Andrade appears logical. It ain’t occurring, regardless of how a lot Chris Mannix needs it to.

I simply image it being bizarre on the cookout for one to be totally unified MAYBE & the opposite leaving an apparent unification on the desk… I don’t put it previous Mel to lord it over his twin in entrance of firm, however hey, if he earns undisputed standing vs. Castano, he’s paid the associated fee to be the boss.

Davis preventing at 140 appears (in my thoughts) to be a man who can’t make 130 however is ready for Teofimo’s inevitable transfer to 140 in order that he can instantly pursue the light-weight titles. I don’t assume I’m hating. You’re not. The issue with 17 weight courses, earlier day weigh-ins, and a plethora of “world” title belts is that it’s eliminated a number of the importance from shifting up in weight (a feat that was as soon as badge of honor amongst particular skills); as of late “division-hopping” is commonly a way of avoiding challenges. Having mentioned that, I’m intrigued by the Davis-Barrios matchup, however I don’t view it as a “world title bout.”

 

BEN DAVISON

What’s up Doug hope you’re nicely,

Solely not too long ago came upon Ben Davison now trains Haney, which begs the query: What has Davison performed as a coach to warrant large identify fighters trusting him? I’m not hating by any stretch I simply imply, Fury and Taylor have been each undefeated, developed, confirmed world champions when he took them on.

I believe Devin perhaps ought to’ve went to a coach who can work on his punching energy (because it’s the one knock on the younger man) like Derrick James who performed nice work mentioning Jermell Charlo’s energy or SugarHill maybe.

Can Haney beat any of the highest lightweights or does his lack of pop maintain him again?

Donaire performed a B-hop. What a efficiency!

Gary Antuanne Russell seems to be the products hopefully he stays busier than his large bro.

All one of the best. – David, Dublin

Gary Antuanne seemed sharp taking aside Jovanie Santiago. I believe he’s able to transition from being a prospect to a legit contender. He’s bought his older brother’s type, pace and timing, plus a bit of extra aggressiveness (and further factors for the Afro), which means that he could make some noise at 140 kilos. After all, to do this he should keep busy. He fought 5 occasions in 2019, however solely as soon as final yr (which was comprehensible given the pandemic). Hopefully he can struggle a minimum of twice extra this yr.

Solely not too long ago came upon Ben Davison now trains Haney, which begs the query: What has Davison performed as a coach to warrant large identify fighters trusting him? Put together two beforehand neglected/underrated UK standouts for main fights vs. world-class expertise that catapulted them to the highest of their divisions (Tyson Fury again from the brink after which the primary showdown with Deontay Wilder; Josh Taylor vs. Jose Ramirez for all of the marbles at 140).

I’m not hating by any stretch I simply imply Fury and Taylor have been each undefeated, developed, confirmed world champions when he took them on. Nicely, Fury was a former champ, until you rely the lineal standing, and he was completely out of form. Davison helped Fury discover his method again to the ring after which educated him for Wilder alternative, which most followers and media (myself included) thought would finish with Fury getting sparked. And yeah, Taylor was already unified Ring champ, however Davison got here up with a very good sport plan for the Ramirez struggle. Haney is predicated in Las Vegas, the place Fury has been coaching, and the place Taylor completed his camp for Ramirez, so I’m certain he had heard good issues about Davison – perhaps immediately from these fighters. Possibly he and his father bought an opportunity to observe how Davison works along with his fighters and have been impressed.

I believe Devin perhaps ought to’ve went to a coach who can work on his punching energy (because it’s the one knock on the younger man) like Derrick James who performed nice work mentioning Jermell Charlo’s energy or SugarHill maybe. That’s a technique to have a look at it, however one other perspective is for Haney to embrace his strengths and quick comings, in addition to his ring identification (which I believe is that of a technician/ring normal), and hook up with a coach who will assist improve his type whereas making him probably the most full fighter he will be. Do you assume Pernell Whitaker fearful about not getting sufficient knockouts on his method up the light-weight ladder and sought to dump George Benton for a extra offense-minded coach? When Floyd Mayweather Jr. was educated by his father, he was practically untouchable. When his Uncle Roger, who appreciated his fighters to sit down down on their punches extra (as he did as a fighter), was the top coach, Floyd bought into extra scraps the place he was bloodied, buzzed and rocked. Energy is a superb equalizer in boxing, but it surely’s not all the pieces.

Can Haney beat any of the highest lightweights or does his lack of pop maintain him again? I believe Haney IS a prime light-weight himself and he’s reside in opposition to any of his friends; given a bit of extra expertise and maturity, I believe can beat any of them on a very good day.

Donaire performed a B-hop. What a efficiency! It was the efficiency of the weekend, arguably of the month.

 

E mail Fischer at [email protected]. Observe him on Twitter and IG at @dougiefischer, and be a part of him, Tom Loeffler, Coach Schwartz and mates through Tom’s or Doug’s IG Reside each Sunday.