24 October, 2011
Nonito’s non-event
Ever since Nonito Donaire’s spectacular KO of Fernando Montiel in February, the heavy-handed Filipino has been thrust into the limelight drawing inevitable comparisons with fellow countryman Manny Pacquiao. Indeed, many commentators see Donaire as a potential heir to the pound-for-pound throne when “Pacman” eventually hangs up his gloves.
However, with increased profile comes increased expectation. And with a big crowd at Madison Square Garden
His opponent for the bantamweight title, Omar Narvaez, was predicted to test him early on but ultimately the fans in attendance were expecting another entry on Donaire’s highlight reel of knockouts.
However, it takes two to produce a spectacle. And whereas Montiel had gone in with genuine ambition, the wily Narvaez seemed content to just survive the 12 rounds and escape with his senses intact.
In truth, it was scrappy fare and the fans voted with their feet, streaming away in their droves before the announcement that Donaire had won the most unanimous of decisions.
Even the best suffer nights like this. Sometimes in boxing a win is a win.
Solid win keeps Williams on track
If Nonito Donaire’s travails were somewhat unexpected, few were surprised by the difficulties that Leon
Fan favourite Williams challenged the evergreen Rob Norton, 39, for the British Cruiserweight crown. Norton has been inactive for 20 months, partly due to injury and partly due to promoter reluctance to stage his fights.
The Stourbridge man has an unorthodox, awkward style that is highly effective but low on entertainment. TV bosses may not like it, but it has earned Norton considerable success with the judges and he went into Friday’s battle a former Commonwealth strapholder.
However, on this occasion the officials plumped for the more muscular work rate of the challenger in a predictably cagey affair. Williams’ vociferous supporters, whose sheer noise may have swayed the judges, will hope that this heralds a new era for the domestic cruiserweight scene.
Norton’s prospects are unclear. He may with some justification, ask for a rematch. But his appeal is likely to fall on deaf ears. Whatever happens, he can justly be proud of a career that has brought him five titles.
Booth passes the torch
As a rule, promoters generally receive little good press. Too often they become scapegoats for many of boxing’s ills: rotten mismatches and exploiting fighters for their own gain.
However, it was hard to aim that criticism at Frank Maloney on Saturday night in Bolton . The veteran promoter, who stood by Lennox Lewis in the heavyweight’s heyday, showed great compassion when he halted Jason Booth’s defence of his British super bantamweight strap versus unbeaten Scott Quigg.
Booth is a 15-year veteran of the sport, whose greatest battles have often been fought outside of the ring. His return from alcoholism and the brink of suicide to title glory has been truly inspirational. But there’s a famous saying in boxing that there comes a fight when a boxer gets old overnight.
Booth, 34, was overpowered by the relentless attacks of rising star Quigg, who seemed so much heavier and stronger than the champion. By the end of the seventh, it was clear that the champion had no chance of winning. Maloney’s concern was clear for all to see, and the decision spared Booth further punishment that he didn’t deserve.
Booth, who admitted that he lacks power at super bantamweight, will face a difficult choice over the coming weeks: retirement or a move to prolong his career at a lower weight class.
Whatever he chooses, he’ll do so with the appreciation of fight fans across the UK
Ralph Welch
Twitter: @ralphwelch
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