Nonito Donaire is definitely not wanting in the skills department, but Vic Darchinyan opines otherwise ahead of their November 9 boxing clash at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

There is a role reversal of some sort as Darchinyan is looking to revive his ailing and ageing career at the expense of Donaire, who benefitted from "The Raging Bull's" then status to kick-start his way into stardom.

Donaire was an unknown fighter before he fought and eventually knocked the lights out of Darchinyan. Even his domicile, the Philippines, was not aware of his existence prior to the said bout.

"I wasn't even known in the Philippines at that time," Donaire told boxingscene.com.

"I was [more] known in the amateurs in the U.S."

Meanwhile, Darchinyan believes that the Rigondeaux fight was a revelation as far as Donaire's abilities inside the ring is concerned.

"I think he was exposed to his loss to Rigondeaux," said Darchinyan.

"The Raging Bull" followed up his statements with "sweet words" toward "The Filipino Flash."

"...inside me I know, personally, he is a good guy," he added.

"But, about skills and power, he should not be pound-for-pound."

Read also: Donaire vs Darchinyan: Desperate Donaire Takes the Easy Way Out

Perhaps, these statements were just made to add hype to their upcoming battle as it is apparent that Darchinyan is in the twilight of his career, aged 37.

The Armenian is to be compensating his "lack of game" with a bunch of rubbish, as he seems to be full of himself.

"It's not about him. It's about me," he reiterated.

"I have more skills and I have more power. If I am motivated against someone, all of my title fights, I am getting prepared for me."

"I am not getting prepared for my opponent; I am getting prepared for myself."

A loss Darchinyan loss may see him hanging up his gloves, unless he wants rub salt to his wound and prolong the humiliation, while a Donaire loss could be unacceptable to his fans and neutrals alike.

Should Nonito lose, he may find it hard to get back to his status as one of the most exciting fighters to watch and will need to prove himself anew.

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