By Dennis Principe

Former four-division world champion Vic Darchinyan of Australia said the Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire, Jr. will most likely win his upcoming bout against Jamaican world champion Nicholas Walters owing to the Filipino champion’s better skills and experience.



Darchinyan fought both boxers in the past and is probably the only fighter who can give a precise assessment on the capabilities of both boxers.



“I fought them both. I think Donaire will win. I think he will win on points,” said Darchinyan.



Darchinyan fought Donaire twice and lost both matches by knockout. In 2007, a heavily-favored Darchinyan lost his world flyweight crown to Donaire via 5th round stoppage.



The two met for the second time in a non-title bout last year with the Filipino, who was trailing on two of three scorecards, scoring a spectacular 9th round knockout win in their rematch held in Texas.



Darchinyan’s last fight was against Walters when they battled for the regular WBA world featherweight crown last May in Macau. Walters, now parading a 24-0 with 20 knockouts, stopped Darchinyan in the 5th round.



“I did not take my time against Walters. I wanted to go for a knockout. He moved well and he hit me with a good shot. But Donaire will beat him,” said Darchinyan.



Asked if the huge advantage of Donaire in terms of experience will mean a one-sided win for the Filipino Flash, Darchinyan said it is not going to be an easy task for the multi-division kingpin.



“No, not an easy fight. Walters has a strong punch. Donaire has strong punch too but who knows. But Donaire will win on points and maybe a knockout if Walters will not use his advantage.



That advantage, Darchinyan said, gave him a lot of trouble when he fought Walters in Macau.



“Walters has good reach. He used it well against me and he should use it against Donaire. If he stays close Donaire will beat him,” added Darchinyan.



Darchinyan meantime said he is not yet hanging up his gloves and actually plans to vie for a possible shot at the World Boxing Council (WBC) 122-lb crown.



“I plan to fight in December in Australia and then one more fight next year in the United States. After that I will go for the WBC title,” said Darchinyan.



The Armenia-born Darchinyan, 38, has a record of 39-7-1 with 28 knockouts and is hoping to land a promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions.



“That’s why I’m here in the United States to talk with Golden Boy. After this I will return to Australia and continue my training.