Will Donaire be the next "Manny Pacquiao?"

Philippines
April 11, 2012 9:33am CST
Manny Pacquiao has been a legend not only in Philippine boxing, but in International boxing as well. But while we enjoy the Pacman's journey to fame, another uprising boxer in the Philippines is gaining popularity as well...Nonito Donaire! He is now also gaining international recognition due to his continuous exciting fights and dominating wins against prominent and highly-respected boxers. He has shown to be a charismatic character, and we can't help see other Filipinos and other boxing-lovers worldwide take attention to this new breed of boxers who shows speed like almost no one can...except of course with the likes of Manny Pacquiao. So back to my first question, do you think Nonito Donaire will be the next "Manny Pacquiao?"
1 person likes this
4 responses
• India
24 Jul 12
Boxing is one of the few games I wonder why it was invented. It is a game that I have considered a fight because you need to punch the other guy to win. Manny pacquiao seems to be your favourite but may be Dona ire will surprise twice as much. I see boxers hold the title for a few months until someone comes along and takes it.
• Philippines
2 Aug 12
Very true. Pacquiao seems to be losing his magic touch and is getting closer and closer to his retirement. Anyway, Filipinos has always been a fan of him and would always remember his fights as something to be really proud of being a Filipino. There may never be another Manny Pacquiao in the level of success he has achieved...but who knows, the future is open for those who want to disprove this point.
@kebark (13)
4 Jul 12
Donaire will really struggle to emulate Pacquiao so I'd say "no" to the question. Donaire has a number of issues, mainly the fact a lot of Filipino's don't really like him and his wife has often come off in bad light. That's not to say that Nonito is actually a nasty guy but he's never really fought at home, I think many of them view him more as an American than as one of their own. Also Donaire will never manage to go through the weights the way Pacquiao has. Donaire is almost 30 years old and seems to have found that his punch will no longer carry him to wins at 122lbs, instead he needs to rely on his skills. Sadly for him there is a lot of talent at 122lbs including the likes of Guillermo Rigondeaux, Abner Mares and Toshiaki Nishioka, like wise there is a lot of amazing fighters at 126lbs which would limit his chances there. The Philippines does however have a host of youngsters who are likely to be "the next Pacquiao" such as Froilan Saludar, Marco Demecillo and even Milan Melindo (who lacks power but is very very skilled). It may even be worth keeping an eye on Adones Cabalquinto as he's likely to get international attention due to the weight/s that he'll be fighting at.
• Philippines
2 Aug 12
Yes, I agree that Donaire falls short somehow in comparison with Pacquiao...including likeability. I'm not saying that Donaire has an unlikeable personality, it's just that many Filipinos will not be able to associate with his personality as he seems to even find it difficult to speak Tagalog which is the native language of Filipinos. I think if he wears barong tagalog and bakya going up the stage during the fight may be a good idea to change this image...lol :) Anyway, I don't know much about Demecillo and Saludar but I know Melindo very well and is one of those who believe he could be next in line. He fights in a way that it seems he's always in control of the fight...never in a hurry and is always effective with his timing and combinations. A real boxer to watch out for. I will have to take time to look at these two boxers you mentioned that I am not familiar with.
@Extourmed (191)
• Bulgaria
11 Apr 12
Well, every boxer has his own unique personality. Each one moves at his own unique peculiar ways. Donaire can't be compared to Pacquiao, because of individual differences. He may surpass Pacquiao's boxing ability and record, but we can't say Donaire is better than Pacquiao. While it is true that almost all young and fledging boxers are getting inspiration from Pacquiao, it can't be denied that those who have tasted success want public to let it be known that they've achieved such, because of their own sweat and blood. Donaire is no exception. No doubt he'll carve his own destiny
• Philippines
12 Apr 12
Well said, my friend! I think Donaire still has a lot of proving to do while Pacquiao has already proven a lot. I see both boxers as some of the most exciting boxers of all times. I'm sure in the future, more fine boxers will appear to carve their own names in the world of boxing.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Jun 12
i totally doubt it donaire has a lot to prove to be in line or take a step up to manny but those two boxer are similar in terms on how they fight on their pride ..
• Philippines
2 Aug 12
Lately, Donaire's performance has become questionable. He still won convincingly with his last 3 fights but they fall short of the excitement people are expecting of him. I think when his opponents see that he can't win the fight against him, they play a defensive game that is meant to simply survive the fight and thereby making the fight boring. I think Donaire should find an additional tool to improve his attacking skills even more so that defensive opponents would be left nowhere to hide.