Gaballo was too focused on defense, it tempered his attack vs Donaire, says analyst

Hard-hitting bantamweight Reymart Gaballo may have made the mistake of putting too much focus on his defense out of respect for the power of Nonito Donaire Jr., according to veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino.

In doing so, he missed out on throwing the power punches he himself is known for.

The all-Filipino world championship showdown took place last weekend at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, where Donaire won by way of fourth-round knockout after he reduced the challenger to a knee with a left hook to the body.

“Gaballo was focused so much on defense it tempered his offense, but you cannot have it both ways against Donaire. You cannot throw away defense and go all offense when you're fighting him it has to be 50-50-, half defense and half offense,” said Tolentino.

“The problem Gaballo had was he doubted if he should throw because Donaire will get to him first. He had to overthink because there were so many factors in his mind. Is he going to throw and risk it then add that the right hand has started landing too.”

To Gaballo’s credit, Tolentino says the 25-year-old did not do so badly in his first attempt at a world title going up against a future Hall of Famer.

“This is what I have been saying. Donaire at 39, his reputation precedes him. There is huge respect when fighting a legendary fighter and idol. Gaballo did well he studied Donaire's style but the experience showed how to handle the situation against Gaballo.”

—JMB, GMA News