Around the Net: Nonito Donaire vs Wladimir Sidorenko Pre-Fight Edition

With Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. off tonight's Top Rank PPV, the main-event duties have fallen to a couple of far more established top-class fighters in Nonito Donaire and Wladimir Sidorenko.

Though heading into the 118lb battle as an 8 to 1 underdog, Sidorenko certainly has the credentials to offer a stern test for the Filipino Flash.  He brings a wealth of experience and solid all around game to the table, and while it might not be enough to earn the win, he should give us a good idea of whether Donaire is worthy of the P4P plaudits he's been receiving since toppling Vic Darchinyan back in 2007.

Check out The Boxing Bulletin's preview: Nonito Donaire vs Wladimir Sidorenko Preview

For more on tonight's bantamweight clash, let's take a look around the net...

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Sidorenko (22-2-2, 7 KO) is a good, technically sound fighter...but if Donaire is locked in and focused, he's going to overwhelm Sidorenko. Donaire definitely has a bantamweight body (he was quite a big flyweight) and the weight shouldn't be an issue for him -- shouldn't be. Sidorenko is also 34 years old and likely past his true prime. If Nonito screws around and overlooks Sidorenko, he could find himself in a fight. But I wouldn't expect that. Sidorenko is one of those guys who doesn't make many mistakes, but he also isn't special in any way. Donaire can be a special fighter. Donaire UD-12

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Donaire gets sloppy sometimes, but he should be too fast for Sydorenko. I have no idea how powerful Donaire will be at the new weight, but Carl Froch and Andre Dirrell against Arthur Abraham and Amir Khan against Andriy Kotelnik demonstrated the best way to expose the high-guard/wait-for-it style is with speed and movement, which Donaire is built for. I anticipate some moments when things are going well for him and he slacks off, but Sydorenko should be able to remind him that's a bad idea. Devon Alexander's close call against Kotelnik is the example of how that style can be effective even against slick, fast guys. Give me Donaire by unanimous decision, maybe in the 116-112 range.

Boxing Scene - Donaire-Sidorenko, Soto-Antillon: The Pre-Report Card

The main event could set the stage for a huge showdown early next year between Donaire and unified titlist Fernando Montiel. Sidorenko will have something to say about it. He is, easily, the best fighter Donaire has faced since defeating Darchinyan in 2007.

Given Sidorenko’s proven quality at 118 lbs., against a former Flyweight titlist, he might be the just plain best fighter Donaire has faced. And yet, despite the longer tenure in the higher weight class, Sidorenko is likely to be the smaller man in the ring Saturday. Donaire has been squeezing a lot off a big frame (for the lower classes) and will have the edge in height and reach over Sidorenko.

Yahoo.com - Donaire puts big fight at risk by fighting Sidorenko

"We're in there against a tough guy and we have to come up with a good game plan. But Nonito's style and his footwork are perfect for either outboxing this guy and looking great against him, or even trying to go for a knockout if possible," Donaire's assistant trainer Roberto Garcia said. "I know that he's never been down or out, but Nonito has very good power so he can be the first to knock him out."

ESPN - Nonito Donaire wants to make statement ... and win

"Bob [Arum] and everybody are already talking about the fight with Montiel on Feb. 19, but we would never look past Sidorenko," Donaire said. "We have a tough opponent and I've been studying his tapes for the past couple of weeks. … He is not looking past his next opponent and we see great fights in the future, not only [against] Montiel."

411mania.com - Boxing Preview: Donaire vs. Sidorenko

"I have two plans to beat him," countered Sydorenko, who has been sparring with Vic Darchinyan for the last month to get ready for this bout: "I know he is a very skilled fighter. It's going to be tough challenge."

The irony that Sydorenko has been sparring with the man who has been calling out Donaire for the past three years does not escape anyone."We help each other," smiled Sydorenko. "Of course, I want Sydorenko to win," said Darchinyan last week after a spirited sparring session with a Ukrainian fighter at the Main Event Sports Club in Glendale:" But I want to be the first one to beat him." Would Sydorenko benefit from more than just sparring?

The Sweet Science - Donaire-Sidorenko, Soto-Antillon...Who Do Ya Like?

Arum said that for the last 1 ½ years, he’s been trying to get HBO to do lighter weight dates. He said he’s happy that HBO is onboard, as they’re putting on a Feb. 19 show, with Fernando Montiel versus Nonito Donaire. He said that the cabler will show more lighter guys, once they see how action-packed the bouts are, and how the fans lap it up. Arum said HBO knows it’s possible that Wlad Sidorenko upsets Donaire, and HBO has agreed to put Wlad on against the 24-1 Montiel (WBO, WBC bantam champ) if Wlad gets the upset win on Saturday. "He’s coming make no mistake about it to win this fight, because he knows what it means to him," Arum said of the Russian.

Boxing Scene - Donaire Looks To Write His Own Ticket as a PPV Headliner

Fighting on Manny Pacquiao undercards would have surely boosted Donaire's viewership - particularly in his target demographic. Yet, despite being the consensus second best Filipino-born fighter on the planet and being under the same promotional banner, Donaire has yet to see exposure on a Pacquiao undercard.

"That's the one thing that [Top Rank and I] have had huge arguments about. I've wanted him on the undercards of Pacquiao and he wants to be on the undercards, too. If he comes out and fights like he did against [Raul] Martinez, who he drilled [in four rounds], and that's the fight before Manny's fight all of those Filipino fans that are there for Manny will think think, 'Hey that guy isn't bad, I like him.'

"I think we've missed that by not fighting on his undercards, but [Top Rank President] Todd duBoef disagreed with me, and said that he should build his own following and Bob Arum felt the same way.