Gaballo's real punching power will be tested against Donaire, says analyst

The world is about to witness if Reymart Gaballo’s knockout power is the real deal when he takes on his fellow Filipino WBC world bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. on December 11 at a yet-to-be-announced venue.

Gaballo, who holds an impressive record of 24-0 with 20 knockouts, is known for being heavy-handed. While it has worked out for him thus far, veteran boxing analyst Ed Tolentino says that it would be put to the test against elite competition in Donaire.

“I am very intrigued with the power of Gaballo. In fact, that is his asset. The way I see it is he would keep coming forward, but he has to throw combinations and not just a one-two that Donaire would read,” Tolentino said,

“I would also like to see body punches from Gaballo. Youth is on the side of Gaballo and if that power turns out to be top-notch, boy, it is going to be an epic fight.”

Gaballo, 25, is coming off a controversial split decision victory over Emmanuel Rodriguez last December. Tolentino cites that the young pug showed his weaknesses in his last outing and would have to make adjustments to beat Donaire.

“We need a better Gaballo against Donaire. I would like to see Gaballo pressure Donaire, but not bordering on the reckless because sometimes he attacks and can be lost with a sidestep. He throws a one-two then no follow-through,” Tolentino stated.

“If Gaballo is around the trenches, rounds 7 and 8, that is dangerous for a 38-year-old Donaire. By then, we could be dealing with a whole new fight and Gaballo will be in the thick of it."

—JMB, GMA News