Rigondeaux vilified for being too good?

Though I usually leave the after fight comments and recaps to the ‘esteemed’ members of the Boxing media, some of the stuff I’ve been reading and hearing about Guillermo Rigondeaux’s comprehensive schooling of Nonito Donaire last night has struck a nerve. The culpability of the problems in Boxing is widespread. However, members of the media should look in the mirror. Whatever happened to actually reporting what happened in the ring?

I suppose I grew up in an era where the newspapers and magazines reported on the sport itself instead of carrying a spit bucket for a promoter, website or even their own personal favoritism. I make no pretense that I’m a fan and I’ll flat tell you the fighters I cheer for or do not, it doesn’t inhibit me from predicting a fight either way. What I find truly offensive is the vast majority of these guys trotting out biased pieces and commentary under the guise of objectivity. If you want to write straight opinion pieces, own it and tell it like it is.

Let me start off by saying I WAS WRONG. I could try and pretend that I was almost right by calling Rigondeaux the more skilled fighter and saying I didn’t think Donaire could win a decision. Guess what? I picked Donaire by knock out. WRONG

I never bought into the media onslaught of Donaire as the next Boxing God. He’s very talented and a dynamic athlete but I’ve never seen that innate ability to think your way through a fight in him, and the true greats all have that adaptability. Again, he’s still a very good fighter. Overrated doesn’t mean terrible.

Part of the fun of being a fan of this sport is trying to peg the next superstar. I’m firmly behind Gennady Golovkin; I’ll pick him over any Middleweight in the world. If Matthew Macklin beats him in June I’ll be WRONG again and I’ll give credit to the winner instead of making excuses because I was WRONG.

Now to the meat of my beef, why in the world am I reading about how boring Guillermo Rigondeaux is? Did nobody else see him meet Donaire in the center of the ring and out-punch him over the first couple rounds until the disparity in their skills was so evident that he would have been a fool to stand and trade?

Dan Rafael’s headline is “Rigondeaux Bores, But Bests Donaire”. Reading his report would lead you to believe that Donaire was pressing the pace like Marvin Hagler as Rigondeaux fled the man beast in fear for his life. Every time Nonito hit him, he got immediately hit back harder. The fact of the matter is that fight may have been boring to some because Donaire didn’t have the skills or desire necessary to make for a competitive bout. This dude actually had the fight 114-113! Are you freaking kidding me? I had it 118-108 and Rigondeaux was quickly whipping Nonito after he was knocked down. My sympathy probably gave Donaire a 2 pt round.

My friend, and one of the good writers, Andrew Fruman sent me a great text that sums up some more of the medias feelings on their beloved Donaire. “Narvaez was harshly critized for not offering up his chin and exchanging” That couldn’t be more apropos.

The HBO team continuously assumed that the crowd was booing Guillermo. What exactly was Nonito doing? They booed even louder when Donaire started to talk about his shoulder, so maybe they were just booing in general? They paid for their seats, so I have no issue with their displeasure. I was pretty enthralled by that exhibition of skill. He treated Donaire like an amateur and then his promoter has the audacity to complain to the media that he doesn’t know why Rigondeaux doesn’t stand and fight? Biased writing is one thing, Arum effectively calling his own fighter boring is beyond reprehensible. He should have been lauding his effort like HBO started to do when they realized their boy was in over his head. Sorry Bob, you might actually have to work for your millions here. Ever think about trying to build up a Cuban fighter in say, Miami? Get your head out of your ass and go to work for a change. I know you thought that just because Donaire was Filipino you could just sit back and make money hand over fist in your lazy boy. Oh well, boo freaking hoo.

Donaire is still a top talent and he’ll have many more opportunities to shine. So what if he isn’t the next Manny Pacquiao? Two men at the top of this sport will provide ample opportunities for all of us to be dead WRONG. Why not just admit it and move on?

In conclusion, sincere congratulations to Guillermo Rigondeaux for a sterling performance; this should be your moment and you’ve more than earned it. I’ve never been happier to be WRONG. To Nonito Donaire, good luck with the impending birth of your child and I’m sure you’ll bounce back from this. To all of the ass kissers in the media, you know who you are, that are above giving credit because you feel it makes you look bad; pucker up and kiss mine.