Recipe for a sure KO in Cebu
A HUNGARIAN journeyman who challenges WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. in Cebu on Saturday says he will bank on two factors to steal the crown from the Filipino Flash.
Zsolt Bedak (25-1, 8 KOs) says he’s relying on: 1.) His experience in the Olympics; 2.) An upset.
His resume’ says the fourth-ranked Bedak has won his last 10 pro bouts.
* * *
The most notable detail in his record says Bedak beat Mexican Abner Mares, who would later become world featherweight champion, during the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Bedak has vowed to go for a knockout on Saturday. However, the low knockout percentage (8 out of 25 wins) in his record can hardly help vouch a stoppage.
This may be unnecessary, but veteran broadcaster Ronnie Nathanielsz says that in Bedak’s only loss, a 10th-round stoppage in the hands of Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. in Puerto Rico in 2010, the Hungarian reportedly suffered a broken jaw.
* * *
A huge underdog, Bedak says he’s ready to fight for 12 rounds, adding that anything is possible inside the boxing ring. He says he should be able to achieve the unexpected before Cebuano fans on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Donaire, complaining of the draining heat, would not hesitate to come up with a knockout prediction.
Together with his father-trainer Dodong, Nonito has vowed to finish his job inside six rounds.
* * *
The way Nonito sounded, he could not wait for the Bedak bout to start.
Donaire is raring to get over this one, before zeroing in full blast on Guillermo Rigondeaux, the Cuban firebrand who shamed him in a world super bantamweight championship mismatch in 2013.
Of course, Donaire is aware that his Hungarian foe could also pose danger.
* * *
Bedak is known to pack a mean left hook.
It’s no coincidence, though, that Donaire, the 2012 Fighter of the Year, is armed with one of the most feared left shots in his division.
This, needless to say, should make for a memorable firefight in colorful, exciting Cebu on Saturday.
There should be no repeat of the Stars of the Future flop, the previous ALA Promotions event at Waterfront Cebu, from where hometown fans left disappointed following the failure of heralded “Prince” Albert Pagara and Mark Magsayo to deliver eagerly awaited KO wins.
Upset is not being mentioned as possible part of the Saturday menu; but a mismatch can’t be readily ruled out.
