He still need to feel though, the distance, the moves of Santiago, so again, he will read him early. And maybe he will go with some fakes and feints to see his reaction and then throw that patented left hook of his to finished Santiago. He will have to prepared for a full 12 rounds though, maybe Santiago chin is going to hold so at least he has some in his tank if this goes to full distance.
As usual, Donaire will keep his play safe first in early rounds calculating his opponent's move.
Since entering the veteran age, Donaire watched how his opponent moves first before making his own move.
Remember when Donaire defeats the young and prime Gaballo? He's being careful with his moves until founding a hole that connects his body shot that makes Gaballo suffers heavy pain and never able to get up.
That's right, I watched that too because Donaire is like Pacquiao, his left fist punched hard and really hit his opponent and if he was crushed, it would be hard for his opponents to get up.
Donaire's killer move is his counter hook punch where many boxer fell prey. But the question would be, with the current age of Donaire, will he still have that fast reflex and reaction in order to deliver that deadly punches?
So I think that even with his age, his opponent should not be complacent even if it is said that he is younger than Donaire because when it comes to experience, Donaire is more for sure. He had received more blows than someone younger than him.
True that, even with his age, his punches is still devastating but the matter of concern as I stated is Donaire's timing and reactions. He may have all the experiences but aging often slows down the boxer's speed, reflexes, and reactions. We have seen how he slows down during the second fight against Inoue.
So I guess this fight will determine whether he can still do things when he is in his prime.
@LUCKMCFLY, Of course, promoters will go after Donaire as he is a very exciting fighter. This means he can sell the fight and it will result in a profitable event. However, we don't know how long Donaire will continue boxing because he is already 40 years old, which is considered retirement age for most boxers.
This is his comeback fight after a disappointing loss to Inoue.
He should come back strong, and that means he has to win by KO.
Yes, that will be the perfect scenario for Donaire, It's disappointing, but he did try his best, but Inoue is just a very different boxer, really on his prime so it's hard even for Donaire to match that skill at that point.
But now since he is just fighting a regular (not that Santiago is a bad boxer), Donaire should win this fight in our books. But he still needs to train very hard in order to succeed and become a champion. Age could be a factor, but still though, Donaire can pull that trigger, the left hook that he is very well known and has knockout a lot of great fighters in his storied career.
That fight truly belonged to Naoya Inoue himself for surprising us and finishing the fight within 2 mere rounds. That was a spectacular performance that he gave to his fans before he fought Butler and vacated all the belts to continue his new chapter at 122 where he is now about to face the 2-belt champion. Although, there is just a small problem now. Hopefully that will push through because it is also a good fight to see.
The fight shows how the flash speed and reaction diminished. Though Donaire had excuses that he is not wearing his type of glove which gives him discomfort and awkward feelings.
Anyway, back to the topic, Donaire got the advantages on this one, so he should make a big statement rather than having to see him barely winning the fight. And if that's the case, he should already retire.
The only advantage I can see with Donaire is the punching power and experience, I am somehow doubtful about his speed and reaction. I hope Donaire can prove me wrong though.
