Donaire vs. Sidorenko Fight Preview:
On December 4 in Anaheim, lighter-weight standout Nonito Donaire takes on visiting Wladimir Sidorenko. The bantamweight division is now packed with extreme amounts of talent. This is the world-class 118-pound debut for Donaire, while Sidorenko was a titlist at this weight. Donaire is expected to figure prominently in the division renaissance, while Sidorenko will need to perform well here to re-establish relevance.
- When: December 4, 2010
- Where: Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
- Weight Class: Bantamweights—12 Rounds
Nonito Donaire, 24-1 (16 KOs), Bohol, Philippines/San Leandro, CA
Vs.
Wladimir Sidorenko, 22-2-2 (7 KOs). Kiev Ukraine
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Donaire is well-known to fans for his destructive knockout of undefeated Vic Darchinyan in July of 2007. He has since won 6 straight bouts—5 by knockout. But the past nearly 3-and-a-half years have been frustrating. None of his past 6 opponents have been noteworthy, while other fighters at and around his weight have secured meaningful matchups. He is penciled in to face real bantamweight champ Fernando Montiel if he wins this bout, so all will be forgiven if he can eventually notch a win over the supreme kingpin in the division.
At the same time, it must be frustrating for Donaire to see the man he vanquished fighting in a higher-profile bout the following week. In a way, his stagnation has been inexplicable. At the time he emphatically flattened Darchinyan, Vic was on a lot of pound-for-pound lists. It was a huge win. There is no questioning Donaire’s ability and entertainment value. So why has he been forced to operate almost anonymously over the past several years? It’s been really puzzling.
Sidorenko’s recent exploits haven’t exactly been inspiring either. He finally resurfaced in August after a 15-month layoff. He scored the win, which was needed after dropping two decisions to Anselmo Moreno. Still, the 34-year old Ukrainian has fought just twice in the past 30 months and does not have the recent feeling of scoring a big victory in his blood.
Sidorenko has good credentials however, with a docket of accomplishments that might surprise some. In 2004, he beat undefeated future-champion Joseph Agbeko and former 4-division champion Leo Gamez. He also pinned the first loss on undefeated future champion Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym in 2006. In addition, he fought two draws with a peaking Ricardo Cordoba—who was coming off a win over current featherweight standout Celestino Caballero. The losses to Moreno were perhaps a bad sign, but he was only 1 round away from a draw in their last fight. Add in Sidorenko’s distinguished amateur career and his qualifications are deep. He defeated current world-class fighters Daniel Ponce De Leon and Omar Narvaez en route to winning a bronze medal in the 2000 Olympics.
Sidorenko reigned as WBA Bantamweight Champion for well over 3 years. He has beaten his share of quality fighters, while acquitting himself well the times he didn’t come up with the “w.” Nevertheless, he faces some challenges in this bout. In addition to inactivity and age, he is fighting in the U.S. for the first time against a fighter of immense talent, better punching power, and one with youth on his side at 27.
Donaire vs. Sidorenko Prediction
Sidorenko in his heyday was known as a tireless pressure fighter with exceptional fitness. Donaire will need to be sharp and if he’s looking ahead to a fight with Montiel, it could prove to be costly. Perhaps Sidorenko can duplicate the performance of another visiting Ukrainian underdog—when Andriy Kotelnik pushed titlist Devon Alexander to his limit earlier this year. He knows his chance to make a splash is running out and the prideful battler should be expected to be reasonably close to his best in this fight.
Sidorenko hasn’t performed as well in fights against shifty fighters, as evidenced by his struggles with Cordoba and Moreno. Donaire brings a package of niftiness and punching power that will put a dent in Sidorenko’s vigor for battle as the fight moves into the middle rounds. Donaire will increasingly dissuade the aggressive Sidorenko from making advances with his crisp and slashing punches. I see an exciting fight taking place for 4-5 rounds, before Donaire begins taking over. Some big combinations will convince the referee to save a gallant Sidorenko from further punishment sometime around the 9th round.
Prediction: Nonito Donaire by 9th or 10th round TKO.
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