Nonito Donaire, right, is still regarded as one of the top talents in the world (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)

By Vitali Shaposhnikov

Once upon a time, there was a bantamweight boxing sensation Nonito Donaire (34-3, 22 KO’s).

The reason for the past tense, is because the new, current Donaire has been feeling like he is no longer the fighter that he used to be in the past. Knowing that, he is trying hard to get back to the old Donaire, the unstoppable one.

“I’m excited and trying to get back everything and eager to be the old Donaire. You’ll see him soon,” stated The Filipino Flash.

At one time, Donaire’s stock went through the roof, with the majority of the boxing community as well as media giving him extraordinary praise.

In 2011, when most had expected Fernando Montiel (44-2-2) to bring the fight to Donaire, Nonito disposed of “Cochulito” in the most dominant fashion possible: with a brutal second round TKO.

After that sensation victory, he went on to defeat five more formidable opponents before stepping inside the ring against Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0-0). The awkward yet exceedingly effective Cuban made Donaire punch air all night long, delivering Nonito his second career loss, the first one being against Rosendo Sanchez back in 2001, which was Donaire’s second professional bout.

Many had expected to see exactly what transpired that night, with Rigo being faster, more elusive, and more energetic. From the first bell of the night, it was evident that Nonito was in deep waters.

Since that fight, Nonito claimed two more victories before suffering another defeat to Nicholas Walters (24-0-0) in October of 2014.

Now, getting ready to add a second victory since the loss to Walters, Donaire is feeling confident and is ready to shift back to his former self.

On July 18, Donaire will face Anthony Settoul (20-3-0) in Macau, China.

Vitali Shaposhnikov can be reached at vitalifightpress@gmail.com