The bantamweight picture now - last night's results included

I have felt for some while that the bantamweights/super-bantamweights are among boxing's strongest divisions at the moment, and last night's fights in the 118 lb category have done little to shake that impression.

Firstly, it's hats off to Abner Mares. Roundly and rightly criticised for his tactics against Agbeko in their first fight, Mares really set the record straight with his controlled, rather dominating performance against the same opponent last night. Agbeko, as usual, turned up in good shape and posed a stiff challenge, but was clearly second best to a fighter who still looks to be improving. I picked Agbeko to win a close, scrappy contest, but Mares made such a prediction look rather silly.

However, the undoubted star billing must go to Anselmo Moreno, who was nothing short of masterful in befuddling and outclassing Vic Darchinyan. Vic may be on a gradual decline (he is 35, after all), but Moreno looked absolutely superb in giving a classic example of how to outbox someone from the pocket. World class stuff.

Nonito Donaire was, of course, the absent spectre at the feast. The superb Filipino is generally acclaimed as the best contemporary bantamweight, but is thought to be heading up a weight to challenge the excellent Toshiaki Nishioka. It may now seem unlikely, but what price a clash with Moreno first, a fight which would promise a wonderful mesh of styles, featuring smooth boxing pitted against dynamic switch-hitting?

In any case, it would be wonderful to see an undisputed champion emerge at 118. The division has lacked such a figure for many years, and at the moment, especially, it certainly deserves one.

Darchinyan is past it Donaire is one of the best boxers in the word at the moment he would destroy Darchinyan imo the others are not in his class at the moment.

I wish Donaire was a bit more active as there are so many good fights to be made for him at Bantam and Super Bantamweight. It would be a big mistake in my opinion to go up through the weights looking for big fights with the likes of Gamboa if he is comfortable making Bantamweight, I can't see him taking that 1 punch KO power that he has in either hand up through the weights.

Captain, quite agree, Moreno was masterful. Really hope something can be arranged with Donaire, and as you say, we get a top man emerge in the division. Greatness is within the grasp of whichever man can come out on top.

It's about time this tournament is finished. I haven't seen the fight but he sounded world class, especially as agbeko is world class in his own right. Moreno has always impressed me but hasn't had the exposure or the fights to show his talent. It's a stacked division, and it's a shame donaire want to follow pacquiao's path by going through weight divisions quickly as there are still good fights for him at he weight. At Jr FW, there are big fights to be made with nishioka, ramos, vasquez jr and one of my favourite boxers, guillermo Rigondeux. featherweight also has Lopez, John, Salido and Garcia.

if donaire does move up, mares and moreno seem to be ahead of the rest

I think Donaire would be better served staying at Bantamweight for a while before heading north to take on Nishioka whom is the toughest challenge in the two weight classes.

With Donaire moving up and Darchinyan being past it Koki Kameda may be able to entice Moreno or Arce over to Japan. he knocked back the bantamweight tournament because they wouldn't hold any of it in Japan and it wasn't worth it financially. Kameda is one of the highest earners in the sport.

Mares vs Moreno would be good. I think Arce would be more likely to travel to Japan for the money he holds a belt now.

Moreno was fantastic, but disappointed with Vic too. Wildly swinging, should have tried shorter, straighter punching. I had it a shutout to be honest, 120-107, Moreno dominated in all areas.

Haven't been able to watch the other.

Arce mentioned while on the Mexican commentary for the Cotto/Marg fight that he wanted a fight against Donaire at Super Bantam. How likely he is to get such a fight is another matter entirely.

Jesus can you imagine Donaire/Arce what a war that would be, can only see Donaire winning mind you but should be unbelievable while it lasts.

Arce is made for Donaire couldn't see it lasting very long..