By Derek Bonnett
Fighting on Metro PCS TruTV’s Friday Night Knockout series for the first time, Nonito Donaire sought to re-establish himself as a world champion worthy of big-time boxing match-ups under the limelight. Donaire, fighting on the undercard of Puerto Rican prospect Felix Verdejo, did just that for about six rounds against Cesar Juarez at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. For the other six rounds, Donaire swelled, bled, tired, and clung to victory after injuring his ankle in a performance that can only be described as harmful to Donaire’s prospects of reclaiming a place among boxing’s elite.
Although relatively unknown, Donaire’s opponent Cesar Juarez was not a stranger to the SecondsOut super bantamweight rankings. After 2015 upset victories over Cesar Seda and Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr., Juarez established himself among the SecondsOut top ten. However, in the early rounds, the difference in fighter pedigree was grossly apparent as Donaire used speed to deliver crisp shots with precise timing. The straight and overhand rights were particularly effective in the first. Round two saw Juarez rocked by a beautiful uppercut. Juarez remained timid and his punch output was low. In what looked like a tough fight on paper, was starting to look like an early night at the office for Donaire as he used his footwork to create angles for his power punches. Donaire controlled the third, using distance; however, in the closing ten seconds Juarez opened up finally. While he landed little, the message was clear: fight on. Of course, punching freely against Donaire leaves one open to an offense that was once considered among the best in the sport. In round four, Juarez paid for his rising confidence. A left high on the head wobbled Juarez, but it was not until the two tangled legs that Juarez was sent spiraling to the canvas. The call was debatable. Another big left hook landed for Donaire to score a second knockdown in the round. However, in the mix somewhere, Donaire emerged with a big mouse under his left eye. After four rounds, Donaire led 40-34 on the SecondsOut scorecard.
Juarez’ punch connects rose in round five as he started with a clean right hand. Growing in confidence, Juarez pressured the favored former world champion. Donaire effectively countered to win the round. Donaire slowed in round six, continuing to counter against the slower Juarez. While backing up, Donaire tripped on the canvas, seemingly causing an injury to his ankle. Donaire would later say the injury was lower into his foot. Although he had won the round, the fight rapidly changed from that moment on. Juarez upped his attack and cut Donaire over the right eye in round seven. The Mexican contender outworked a tiring Donaire along the ropes in long stretches. Juarez shook off a huge left hook from Donaire in round eight and put Donaire on the retreat for most of the round. The idea of an upset crept into the mind as Donaire’s countenance shifted to one of great alarm. After eight rounds, Juarez won a couple rounds to keep the gap at 78-72.
Juarez continued working the Filipino fighter over on the ropes in round nine. The Mexican wisely took advantage of Donaire’s drop in punch volume. In the tenth, a left hand clipped Donaire high on his head as he slipped backward. The referee ruled this one a slip, but, again, that matter is subject to debate. The eleventh was a round both men took off, but Juarez continued coming forward to appear the better man in the round. Donaire summoned his last ounce of energy to outland Juarez in the final stanza. Instead of countering, Donaire opted to grind and took some punches in return, but the difference was in velocity and the round pushed Donaire to a 116-111 victory on the SecondsOut tally.
The three official judges saw a comparable contest and favored Donaire 117-109 and 116-110 twice. Donaire captured his seventh title belt in claiming the vacant WBO super bantamweight title. He lifted his ledger to 36-3-0 (23), but raised considerable doubt that he would be able to avenge his loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux or even be competitive with the featherweight elite. Juarez’ stock rose in defeat as he dipped to 17-4-0 (13).
In the main event, Felix Verdejo boxed a cautious first round against Josenilson Dos Santos, who stood straight up as he tried to land. A right cross dropped the jittery Dos Santos in round two and the Brazilian hair dresser rose on unsteady legs, teetering all over the ring into the arms of the referee. The stoppage came at the 2:21 mark to end the lightweight contest. Verdejo climbed to 19-0-0 (14). Dos Santos fell to 27-4-0 (17).
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