Oubaali vs. Donaire betting odds, preview, and pick
Nonito Donaire connects with a left against Gillermo Rigondeaux. (Photo by Anthony J. Causi/Icon Sportswire)
May 25th, 2021
The legendary Nonito Donaire (40-6) heads into what could be the last title fight of his illustrious career, but Nordine Oubaali (17-0) is no pushover. The two face off on Saturday, May 29 in Carson, California, and we have the betting odds and preview you need for this must-see showdown.
Oubaali is a tough champion
Oubaali is making the third defense of his bantamweight title against a true legend of the division, and he comes into this fight 17-months removed from his last bout, a decision win over Takuma Inoue.
The former amateur standout has used his southpaw stance and aggressive pressure to make a name for himself in the division. He can wear down opponents with his activity, but is strong enough to put down anyone willing to foolishly trade blows with him.
Oubaali vs. Donaire tale of the tape
| Nordine Oubaali | ----- | Nonito Donaire |
|---|
17-0 (12 KO) | Record | 40-6 (26 KO) |
34 | Age | 38 |
5'4" | Height | 5'7" |
64" | Reach | 68" |
5-0 (3 KO) | Last 5 Fights | 3-2 (2 KO) |
Awkward pressure | Key Intangibles | One punch power |
Donaire is making his last stand
There’s not much else that can be said about Donaire, who is sure to be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee when his career is over. Donaire went toe-to-toe with Naoya Inoue in a bout that very few expected him to survive. He held his own, but did fall short of unseating the champion in a savage war.
Though at an advanced age for the division, Donaire comes into this fight with all the physical advantages including natural size, height, and reach. Had this fight happened at any other time during Donaire’s career, he’d be a lock for victory. Unfortunately for him, time is no longer on his side.
Oubaali will end Donaire’s career with a decision win
Donaire had no business looking as good as he did against Inoue, but that happened over two years ago. He is older now, surely rusty, and facing an opponent who has a lot of confidence in his abilities. Donaire even being here is a testament of his greatness, but he had his last hurrah against Inoue, and fell well short of the mark.
Oubaali isn’t some generic grinder that will let Donaire get comfortable. He will be constantly moving and firing from all angles, eventually targeting Donaire’s body. Though Donaire has better one-punch power than Oubaali, he’ll be too exhausted to land with the desired effect.
Barring a miracle KO in the middle rounds, this should be the end of the line for Donaire. Expect Oubaali to outwork the aging legend, even beating him up at a point, and getting the win by a dominant decision.
Boxing pick: Oubaali
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