I knew from the start that Alejandro Santiago is one guy who can make every good fighter look bad.
Nonito Donaire found out over the weekend how difficult it was dealing with Santiago when he failed to claim the vacant World Boxing Council bantamweight crown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
You see, Santiago is that same Mexican ring master who almost beat the crafty Jerwin Ancajas in their world title fight in Oakland, California, in 2018.
Ancajas’ handlers thought Santiago would pose some problems but would end up on the floor.
Instead, Santiago messed up Ancajas’ game plan and battled him to a draw.
The same thing happened a few days ago in Sin City when Santiago displayed his durability and exhibited smart moves en route to a unanimous decision over Donaire, a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Well, perhaps, it was Donaire’s age that did him in.
But that’s boxing.
It’s all part of the game and what took place on that night points to one thing.
It is time for Donaire to call it a day.
However, in a post-fight interview, the 40-year-old four-division champion hinted that he was still feeling great and everyone shouldn’t be surprised if he decides to fight on.
Still, that could change when Donaire heads home and watches that fight.
His wife Rachel could probably convince him to just ride into the sunset.
That loss to Santiago should not hurt his legacy.
Personally, Donaire ranks as the best Filipino boxer of all time next to Manny Pacquiao.
His long list of impressive victories is highlight material.
How can you forget what he did to Vic Darchinyan? To Alejandro Montiel and to Nordine Ooubali?
And yes, Donaire is the only guy who gave Naoya Inoue a taste of hell.
If only Donaire was five years younger, Santiago would have been an easy paycheck.
But boxing is always about timing.
Unfortunately, Donaire’s time is up.
There’s no shame in walking away, Nonito.
Trust me, you’ll have your own chapter when the big book of boxing gets published.
