HBO Announces Donaire vs. Arce, Rigondeaux vs. Kratingdaenggym

ByCorey Quincy

On December 15th, we will see two great Super Bantamweight champions face stiff opponents as Pinoy great Nonito Donaire (30-1-0 19 KO’s) faces Mexican brawler Jorge Arce (61-6-2 46 KO’s) plus hard hitting Cuban talent Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0-0 8 KO’s) looks to retain his WBA Title in only 12th pro fight against battle-hardened Thai Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (48-2-0 33 KO’s.

The first fight, Donaire against Arce, has been long-rumored and was inked down recently, but, just yesterday we heard about the interesting co-feature between Rigondeaux and Kratingdaenggym.

These fights are fairly clear cut, but not completely. A vast majority of people see the masterful Donaire and powerful Rigondeaux taking quality victories but it is clear that shouldn’t be the only conclusion.

Arce is a highly experienced warrior with a heart of steel. Although Nonito is much more of a well rounded fighter, Arce is always a threat for anyone.

And Kratingdaenggym is undoubtedly the most experienced opponent yet for Rigondeaux, who has shown visible foibles in his defensive game. If the Thai can get his power punches through, an upset isn’t impossible.

At age 29, Donaire is in his prime, and after a massive amateur career and at age 32, so is Rigondeaux. Standing at the top of their division and possibly about the eliminate some of the final contenders, their paths may cross soon.

This potential will enrich the popular mega-fight even more if Donaire and Rigondeaux can capture victories.

At age 33, Arce is surging for a final opportunity, and so is the veteran Kratingdaenggym, who will be age 32 on November 20th. A win here opens up a final “run around the bases” for either. A loss sends each spiraling into a potential early boxing retirement.

Whatever happens, there is a chance we could see a star studded performance by the developing stars, or a shocking upset. So, tune in live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing for this appealing world title doubleheader on December 15th.