Nordine Oubaali vs. Nonito Donaire - May 29, 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

BLH - Oubaali vs Donaire predictions

Scott Christ (34-10-2)

I’ve become an increasingly big fan of Nonito Donaire over the last — wow, nearly 14 years. I still remember the feeling he came basically out of nowhere to knock Vic Darchinyan out on Showtime, ending Darchinyan’s dominant and rather arrogant run as IBF flyweight champ. Darchinyan had been a surprising cornerstone of the Showtime boxing brand for a minute, and Nonito was expected by most to be another victim. He was anything but.

Donaire has not just been a great fighter across multiple weight classes — flyweight to bantamweight, very good at junior featherweight, still pretty solid as a featherweight if obviously fighting too high — but a gentleman and a credit to the sport. I have no idea what he’s got left here, really. Nobody but Donaire and his team really do, I suspect. He was terrific last time out, but that was a year-and-a-half ago and he’s a 38-year-old bantamweight now. Furthermore, Oubaali is no joke — he’s a skilled, accomplished fighter with some pop. I think this one winds up gritty and hard-hitting, and I’m going to pick Nonito, but not without controversy. My heart is leaning that way, my head leans to Oubaali. Donaire MD-12

Wil Esco (36-8-2)

Nonito Donaire has shown something of a resurgence recently. Even in his loss to Naoya Inoue, Donaire proved he’s still got the talent and ability to go toe-to-toe with the best in the world, but at age 38 the question is more about consistency - as in can Donaire consistently get himself up to perform at that elite level. Personally I think that can be a tough question because athletes always feel like they’ve ‘still got it’ in their minds even after their bodies can no longer keep pace, but I think Donaire’s last performance has really inspired him. By that I mean going that close with Inoue has proven to him just how close he really is to regaining world title status, and I think he might parlay that inspiration to get over the hump here. Donaire might be the underdog in this outing but I think Donaire has the dimensions and experience to give Oubaali a tougher fight than some expect. I’m going to take Donaire to pull off the upset. Donaire UD-12

Patrick L. Stumberg (36-8-2)

The thing is, I can actually see Donaire pulling the upset here; Oubaali leaves his right hand dangerously low when he bursts in and can linger too long in the pocket. A vintage Donaire could absolutely find a home for that left hook and knock Oubaali’s block clean off, and in some of his better moments against Naoya Inoue, I see enough of “The Filipino Flash” to give me hope. Then I see the slow feet and defensive lapses and away goes my conviction to call a Donaire knockout. Oubaali’s speed and control of range will sorely limit Donaire’s chances of landing the killer blow, and even if Donaire does find the mark, I’m not convinced the 38-year-old can end elite bantamweights with one punch anymore.

And if he can’t, Oubaali’s more than capable of landing enough power shots of his own to offset the occasional nasty counter.

That said, both men are coming off of lengthy layoffs and bouts with COVID, so there remain a lot of lingering questions. Even with that uncertainty, though, I say Oubaali’s in-and-out attack allows him to outland Donaire for a competitive decision victory. Oubaali UD-12

And the staff winner is...

Nonito Donaire (2-1)!

[giacomino]

3-4 years ago I could see Donaire winning. But he's 38. Oubaali isn't bad and should outpoint him. Would be nice to see him take on Monster next, but guessing he'll go after old-man Rigondeaux instead

[Ruthless-RKO]

I hope NoxBation or anyone picks this up for the UK.

[ironbeard]

I am pulling for Nonito (the future HOFer). People love to talk about what is wrong with boxing. Nonito is an example of what is right.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Both weighed 117.6 pounds

[Ruthless-RKO]

Referee: Jack Reiss

Judges:
Russell (California)
Alejandro Rochin (Mexico/California)
Glenn Feldman (Connecticut)

[gregregegg]

Cant say i know heaps about this fight, not enough to have an educated opinion, but Donaire by decission got the most votes here, and is the least likely outcome according to my betting site. So iv chucked 10 bucks on based on you guys, you better know your shiit...

[ironbeard]

Cant say i know heaps about this fight, not enough to have an educated opinion, but Donaire by decission got the most votes here, and is the least likely outcome according to my betting site. So iv chucked 10 bucks on based on you guys, you better know your shiit...

Inoue could not finish Nonito and Oubaali has never been ktfo, so I like your chances.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Stats and Stakes

Nordine Oubaali

Age: 34
Title: WBC Bantamweight (2019-Present, 2 Defenses)
Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’3 ½
Weight: 117 ½ lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Bagnolet, Seine-Saint-Denis, France
Record: 17-0, 12 KO
Rankings: #2 (Ring), #3 (TBRB, ESPN, BoxRec), #4 (Boxing News)
Record in Title Fights: 3-0, 1 KO
Last Five Opponents: 142-24-5 (.845)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Rau’shee Warren UD12; Takuma Inoue UD12

Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Julio Cesar Miranda TKO12

vs.

Nonito Donaire

Age: 38
Titles: None
Previous Titles: IBF Flyweight (2007-09, 3 Defenses); WBC/WBO Bantamweight (2011-12, 1 Defense); WBO Super Bantamweight (2012-13, 3 Defenses; 2015-16, 1 Defense); IBF Super Bantamweight (2012); Lineal World Jr. Featherweight (2012-13, 1 Defense), WBA Featherweight (2014); WBA “Super” bantamweight (2018-19, 1 Defense)
Height: 5’7 ½
Weight: 117 ½ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: San Leandro, California (Born in Philippines)
Record: 40-6, 26 KO, 1 KOBY
Press Rankings: #1 (Ring), #3 (Boxing News), #4 (TBRB), #5 (ESPN, BoxRec)
Record in Major Title Fights: 15-4, 10 KO, 1 KOBY (17-5, 11 KO, 1 KOBY including interim title fights)
Last Five Opponents: 101-4-4 (.945)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Vic Darchinyan TKO5, TKO9; Moruti Mthalane TKO6; Raul Martinez TKO4; Wladimir Sidorenko KO4; Fernando Montiel TKO2; Omar Narvaez UD12; Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. SD12; Jeffrey Mathebula UD12; Toshiaki Nishioka TKO9; Guillermo Rigondeaux L12; Simpiwe Vetyeka Tech. Dec. 5; Nicholas Walters TKO by 6; Jessie Magdaleno L12; Carl Frampton L12; Ryan Burnett RTD4; Naoya Inoue L12


Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Hernan Marquez TKO8; Jorge Arce KO3

[Boxing Prospect]

I hope NoxBation or anyone picks this up for the UK.

FITE TV have it

[Boxing Prospect]

First time Oubaali has been in with a world class puncher, and he was rocked late by Takuma Inoue. Also got to wonder what he's like after a bad bout with Covid last year, and he's no spring chicken himself. I'm going with Donaire by stoppage here. Think his size and power will be key. Ouaabli certainly the faster fighter, but at 34 he'll be slowing.

A genuine bit of mystery to what both men have in the tank though given neither has fought since that Saitama show... more than 18 months ago

[Ruthless-RKO]

I hope NoxBation or anyone picks this up for the UK.

FITE TV have it

How much?

[Boxing Prospect]

I hope NoxBation or anyone picks this up for the UK.

FITE TV have it

How much?

Says $9.99, not sure if that just becomes £9.99 when you change it to UK though.

(One of these days I love having Isakura and being able to watch it on a Japanese TV channel I get and don't need to piddle about with FiteTV)

[goose 5]

I don't like the way Oubaali brings back his jab; he's vulnerable to Donaire's left hook. Of course, age and weight may catch up to Donaire tonight, in which case I think he would get stopped. I'll say Donaire by knockout because it only takes one shot from this guy.

[Thomastearns]

I am pulling for Nonito (the future HOFer). People love to talk about what is wrong with boxing. Nonito is an example of what is right.

Absolutely.

His reaction in the aftermath of the Inoue fight will not be forgotten.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Date: Saturday, May 29, 2021
Start Time: 10pm ET | 7pm PT
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park - Carson, CA
TV & Streaming: Showtime

Main Card (SHOWTIME, 10pm ET)

WBC World Bantamweight Championship
Nordine Oubaali (17-0, 12 KOs) vs. Nonito Donaire (40-6, 26 KOs)

12 Round Light Welterweight Eliminator for IBF Title
Subriel Matias (16-1, 16 KOs) vs. Batyr Jukembayev (18-0, 14 KOs)

10 Round Light Welterweight Bout
Gary Antuanne Russell (13-0, 13 KOs) vs. Jovanie Santiago (14-1-1, 10 KOs)

[bobcatbox]

First fight about to get under way.

[ironbeard]

Rd 1 -

10-9 Russell

[ironbeard]

Rd 2 - jabs Russell. Santiago bod. Exchange hooks. Russell target practice. Russell very sharp. Santiago game. Big left Russell.

10-9 Russell
20-18 Russell

[margaret thatcher]

hopefully russell gets more of a push with this, he was a top am and always has looked good as a pro, no idea why he's been moved so slow up till now

[ironbeard]

Rd 3 - Santiago needs to catch Russell with something big. Russell is impressive so far. Santiago getting broken down right now. Quick left R. S trying to go bod. Good body shot S. Body exchanges. S coming on. Tough mofo.

10-9 Russell
30-27 Russell

But Santiago still there.

[ironbeard]

Rd 4 - big right flash Kd. Santiago down. Santiago in huge trouble. Still throwing. Santiago is one tough guy. Russell walks him down. Santiago trying to survive. Really hard bod shot R.

10-8 Russell
40-35 Russell

I missed early 1.

[bobcatbox]

Russell may be the best of the Gary Russell brothers.

This fight is making Broner look even worse.

[ironbeard]

Rd 5 - Russell jabbing his way in. Looking for big left. Santiago just buying time. Beautiful combos Russell. Santiago survives another.

10-9 Russell
50-44 Russell