Nonito Donaire, Reymart Gaballo Make Weight; Ready for Hot All-Pinoy Battle (Analysis)

By Carlos Costa

Popular Pinoy WBC Bantamweight World Champion “The Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire, born in the paradise island Province of Bohol, weighed-in at 117.2 lbs., while Filipino Kababayan Reymart Gaballo of Gensan marked 117 pounds ahead of their super-hot all-Filipino world title clash tomorrow Saturday, Dec 11, in Carson, California, live on Showtime (Sunday morning here in Asia).

Both warriors looked cool, confident and in excellent shape during Friday’s weigh-in ceremony, appearing more-than-ready for the thrilling battle that pits the proven, battle-tested, lion-heart Nonito Doanire, 39, against the unbeaten, glory-hungry, fast ‘n furious young-gun Reymart Gaballo, 25, two of the best bantamweights in the planet… and who will come out victorious?

After making weight, the two Filipinos shook hands showing respect, sportsmanship and gentleman-like behaviour… although tomorrow they’ll throw bombs at each other as there’s much waiting for the victorious one.

The winner could be in line for a super exciting blockbuster showdown against KO Artist and world’s # 1 bantamweight, “The Monster” Naoya Inoue (21-0, 19 KO’s) in 2022, a golden rumble, likely in Japan, that would unify the WBA/WBC/IBF 118-pound straps…. and who of the two will want that fight more?

The veteran Nonito (41-6, 27 KO’s) already fought a thriller against the 28-year-old Naoya Inoue, losing by points, but capturing the heart and admiration of boxing fans around the world, as well as claiming the “Fight of the Year” award for 2019.

So, for Nonito Donaire, a brilliant win over the much younger Gaballo is absolutely needed for him to get his much-wanted rematch. Will he be able to pull it off?

For Reymart Gaballo, however, tomorrow’s rumble is his shinning chance to make his own mark in today’s boxing… although dethroning his slick, heavy-punching kababayan might not be an easy mission at all.

That’s perhaps why the more-known “Filipino Flash” is the favorite about among bookies and betting fans who trust that the experience, power and ring-savvy of the handsome, multiple-times world champion Donaire will see him victorious. Will that happen?

In his last fight, Nonito looked absolutely impressive dethroning Briton Nordine Oubaali (17-1, 12 KO’s), last May, dropping and stopping him in four chapters… fans wondering if he could do the same to his undefeated and talented fellow countryman. That we need to find out.

Meanwhile, Gaballo comes from a split decision win over Puerto RIcan Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-2, 12 KO’s) one year ago at the Mohegan Sun, a rumble in which the quick and strong fighter born in Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur, claimed the WBC Bantamweight Interim Belt.

That win was really good. But not enough for him. Because Gaballo now wants Nonito’s WBC Bantamweight Regular Belt, the one green ‘n golden strap that he has been dreaming of, the one belt that he will have the chance to earn tomorrow. Will he do it?

I see the fight unfolding in the middle of the ring with Gaballo pressing the action testing the waters against Nonito, who is one heck of a counter-puncher.

I foresee Nonito’s jab and combos giving some trouble to the younger man as Nonito is clever in winning points and rounds, which he will need in case the rumble goes the distance, which could happen.

Since both men owe excellent boxing technique and both pack fantastic power in their deliveries, speed and effectiveness would be key to victory.

But at 39, could Nonito keep the pace against the much younger fresher fighter? Would Nonito’s velocity and stamina will stay with him during the demanding final three rounds? This point we need to find out.

However, it is possible that the war might not make it the distance as both men have proven that they have dangerous power.

When they see their opponent in trouble, they can unleash quick lethal thunderstorm of leather over their prey rocking him out… who could forget Nonito Donaire’s brilliant knockout win over Fernando Montiel some years ago? That is one of my all-time favourite KO’s, loving it all the way.

Gaballo can also punch devastatingly, or we can ask any of the 20 foes that he had ravages in 24 wins… with no loses.

Donaire vs Gaballo: what a hot Filipino affair! Could you pick a winner?

For me, whoever wins it’s ok because Filipino boxing is already winner!