Donaire - Manny to win by decision

MANILA, Philippines - Describing Joshua Clottey as heavy-handed and dangerous, interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. said yesterday it will take some doing to knock out the durable Ghanaian as he predicted Manny Pacquiao to win by a unanimous 12-round decision in their WBO welterweight title fight at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this Sunday morning (Manila time).

Donaire was set to leave Manila last night to make his way to Arlington where he plans to cheer for Pacquiao at ringside with wife Rachel.

“In terms of speed, skills, power, experience and intelligence, Manny has the advantage,” he said. “Beating Clottey is an easy obstacle. The hard obstacle is to score a knockout but I believe that if there’s anybody who can do it, it’s Manny.”

Donaire said he expects Pacquiao to go for the body early, wear down Clottey and try to finish him off in the late rounds.

“The battleplan is to attack the body,” said Donaire. “That’s what I hear Freddie (Roach) has in mind. You can knock out an opponent with a body shot if you land at the right angle. If Clottey had to cut down to make weight, he’ll feel those body shots for sure. But Clottey’s never been knocked out.”


Size will be Clottey’s edge because Donaire said Pacquiao may find it a little difficult to go around his wide body.

“Clottey’s built like a tank,” said Donaire. “Manny will try to run rings around him and dictate the fight. But with Clottey’s huge body and long arms, it won’t be easy moving around him. Clottey has a turtle-shell defense that Manny will break down with movement. Manny will look for the angles and create the openings for his punches. He can hit him with an overhand right or a left uppercut.”

Because Pacquiao is a southpaw and Clottey is right-handed, Donaire said there’s a danger of head-banging.

“Manny’s the shorter guy so Clottey will have to bend down to butt him,” said Donaire. “The problem is when a lefty fights a righty, their heads might bump as they come close to each other. There’s also the danger of throwing jabs at the same time. If the jabs meet, your arm gets bent, extending your elbow, and if you’re moving forward, you could actually hit your opponent with your elbow. Manny should watch out for that.”

Donaire hesitated to call Clottey a dirty fighter but said the challenger has a tendency to lead with his head when on the attack.

“Manny has learned so much in the ring that he’ll know how to handle Clottey if he resorts to dirty tricks,” said Donaire. “I’m confident Manny has the experience to beat Clottey, no matter what he brings to the table. Manny’s got a lot of heart, he’s a veteran. I think Manny will play with Clottey who doesn’t initiate and just waits to counterpunch.”

Donaire said Clottey has serious chinks in his armor and Pacquiao will capitalize.

“I notice Clottey drops his hands before punching,” said Donaire. “Manny will make him pay for that. Clottey isn’t a volume puncher. He’s not very busy in the ring. I don’t think his punching rhythm is in tune with his body. He’s a strong guy and heavy-handed but he doesn’t put body weight behind his punches. It’s all arm power. If he can learn to punch with his whole body, he’ll be able to gain more power and speed. He has to throw a lot of punches against Manny because if he doesn’t, he’ll get overwhelmed.”

Donaire said there is some doubt on whether Pacquiao can score a knockout although the possibility looms through a body shot.

“No matter what, Manny will win,” said Donaire. “The clearer picture is it will go the distance and Manny will beat Clottey by a unanimous decision.”

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Vic Darchinyan: "Nonito Donaire is Scared To Fight"

After Vic Darchinyan (34-2-1, 27 KOs) retained his WBC/WBA super flyweight titles with a battering of Rodrigo Guerrero (13-2-1, 9 KOs) over twelve rounds at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California.

Darchinyan sent a message to WBA-interim champion Nonito Donaire. Darchinyan was knocked out by Donaire in five rounds in 2007.

Darchinyan told Showtime's Steve Farhood that he doesn't want to talk about Donaire any more. He think the Filipino champion is scared to make a rematch.

"I don't think they are going to fight me. He's scared. Here are two belts. If you already knocked him out, why not come and get these two belts. I don't want to mention his name anymore. It's not fair. I want to move up and fight better champions," Darchinyan said.

Source: Mark Vester  | BoxingScene.com

Donaire stays for PSA Awards Night

Interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. wouldn’t miss the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night for the world.

Donaire will receive a major award for pro boxing during the PSA rites at the Manila Hotel tomorrow night. He won’t be the only Filipino fighter to be cited. Manny Pacquiao will be proclaimed “Athlete of the Decade” while Rodel Mayol, Brian Viloria, Marvin Sonsona and Donnie Nietes – who all held world titles last year – will join Donaire as recipients of the pro boxing award.

“It’s an honor to be with the country’s best athletes in an event organized by the PSA,” said Donaire. “This is an award I will cherish because it comes from the sports media.”

Donaire flew to Manila a few days after retaining his WBA belt via a third round stoppage of Mexico’s Manuel (Chango) Vargas in Las Vegas last Feb. 13. He came with his wife Rachel and her father Gerry Marcial.

Last Thursday, Donaire went to Cebu to visit stricken fighter Z Gorres. He made good on his promise to give Gorres a share of his purse for the Vargas fight. Donaire and his wife put out P350,000 for Gorres.


When Donaire fought Vargas, Gorres and his wife Datches were at ringside with tickets provided by the Filipino Flash.

“It was an emotional reunion,” said Donaire. “Z and Datches were in tears. So were Rachel and I. We’ve been blessed by God and it’s only right that we share our blessings with Z and his family. It’s not that we have millions. We don’t. A large chunk of my purse went to taxes and the guys on my team. But we wanted to show Z how much we care for him. He has lost his means of livelihood as he can no longer fight. We plan to continue supporting Z. When we come back to the Philippines, we’ll bring clothes and shoes for his four children.”

* * * *

Donaire will leave for the US on March 10 to start training for his next fight set May 8 in Mexico. While no opponent has been named, Donaire speculated that it will probably be former US Olympian Eric Morel who recently beat Gerry Peñalosa in a WBO bantamweight title eliminator.

Morel earned the right to challenge WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel with the win over Penalosa but found himself holding an empty bag when the Mexican decided to battle WBC titleholder Hozumi Hasegawa instead at the Nihon Budokan in Tokyo on April 30. Montiel is coming off a first round knockout win over Filipino Ciso Morales on the same card where Donaire trounced Vargas. It will be Hasegawa’s 11th defense of the WBC crown in the unification showdown.

Donaire said the fight against Morel should draw a lot of interest in Mexico even if neither protagonist is from the country. Morel fought for the US in the Olympics but is Puerto Rican.

“They want to hold the fight on neutral grounds,” said Donaire. “The winner of my fight against Morel or whomever the promoters sign up will advance to face the winner of the Montiel-Hasegawa bout. So I’m on track for a shot at another world title this year.”

Donaire said his showing against Vargas displayed his vast arsenal.

“I’ve got a lot of weapons now,” he said. “I stopped (Vic) Darchinyan with a left hook. I got (Raul) Martinez with a right. I finished off Vargas with a left uppercut. Both my hands are weapons. I can attack with an overhand right and a right straight, too. I can switch to southpaw if it’s necessary. As for my team, I’m sticking with Robert Garcia, Jonathan Penalosa and my conditioning coach Mike Bazzel in my corner.”

Donaire cited Garcia’s contributions in preparing for Vargas. Garcia, who trains fighters at the converted firehouse La Colonia Gym in Oxnard, near Los Angeles, was once an IBF superfeatherweight champion.

“Robert is a great strategist,” said Donaire. “He came in last January to visit my camp at Undisputed in San Carlos . We worked on a gameplan with Jonathan. He gave me solid advice. Two weeks before the fight, we hooked up. His two world champions Brian Viloria and Steven Luevano had just lost so he was feeling down. He’s a super nice guy and he’s really close to his fighters like they’re brothers. He was very happy after I knocked out Vargas and gave me a big hug in the ring.”

* * * *

Regarding Viloria’s recent loss to Carlos Tamara, Donaire said it was a heartbreaker.

“I think Brian did well,” said Donaire. “He started really great and if he was able to hold on, he might have pulled off the win. I hear people accusing Tamara of taking steroids but that’s just not right. People have to understand that when a fighter sees his opponent getting weaker, they get a sudden burst of energy to finish the fight, that there is hope. Tamara did just that when he sensed Brian was in trouble. But Brian made a good showing.”

Asked if there was too much pressure on Viloria to score a spectacular win, Donaire said he couldn’t tell.

“Only Brian can answer that,” said Donaire. “It’s crazy to see thousands of people when you walk into that ring but every person is different. They deal with pressure differently.”

Rachel said the news of Viloria proposing to his long-time girlfriend Erika Navarro last Christmas had nothing to do with the setback.

“Nonito and I were never in that situation,” said Rachel. “He proposed four months before his scheduled Dubai fight. When that was called off in April 2008, we focused on the wedding. I do remember having to consult with him about invites, dresses, the guest list, budget and practically everything else. So it can get very stressful. I heard Brian made a very sweet video for Erika during his training period. That’s impressive because I can’t even get Nonito to bring the basket down the stairs for me during training.”

Rachel said the combination of cutting weight and having to smile through interviews, guest appearances on TV and late night events can be exhausting.

No doubt, Donaire is establishing himself as a hero in and out of the ring.

Former WBC secretary-general Rudy Salud recently lauded Donaire for his progress.

“He was very impressive against Vargas,” said Salud. “It’s too bad he’s not getting the global recognition he deserves because the big name fighters don’t want to face him. That’s not his fault.

I know Donaire wants to fight the best out there to prove himself. He’d be willing to fight even Muhammad Ali in his prime. But he’s young. He’s got time. He reminds me of Manny Pacquiao in the ring because they’re both busybodies. You can sense that he likes to fight, that he doesn’t consider it a job, just like Manny. That’s a positive point for Donaire. What makes him special is the way he executes in the ring. His shots are clean, very precise and strong. He’s definitely on the way to win more world titles.”

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Nonito Donaire Eyes Eric Morel Showdown For May 8

WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (23-1, 15 KO’s) , eager to move up in weight, may fight former world champion and current WBO bantamweight interim champion Eric “Little Hands of Steel” Morel (42-2-, 21 KO’s) of Puerto Rico in Mexico.

Donaire told us that there’s a tentative May 8 date set for a fight in Mexico and that “we are looking at Morel right now since he’s the only one that is available and we are hoping that fight can be made.”

Although there’s nothing definite about the Morel fight, Donaire’s announced desire to fight WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel (40-2-2, 30 KO’s) was scuttled after Montiel accepted the chance for a unification title bout against Japan’s WBC champion Hozumi Hasegawa (28-2, 12 KO’s) in Tokyo on April 30.

Morel scored a controversial split decision win over former two-division world champion, veteran southpaw Gerry Penalosa in a WBO bantamweight title eliminator in the “Pinoy Power III/Latin Fury 13” fight card where the winner was supposed to face Montiel who scored a crushing first round knockout over over-matched and badly drained Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales.

But that fight won’t take place and reinforces the claim of Morel that Montiel has been avoiding him.

Trainer Freddie Roach who worked the corner of Penalosa in the Morel fight and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao who was at ringside both felt that Penalosa who dominated the later rounds won the fight with Roach pushing for a rematch.

The ABS-CBN telecast of the “Pinoy Power III/Latin Fury 13” fight card over its pre-eminent Channel 2 turned in tremendous ratings prompting Top Rank promoter Bob Arum to indicate he wants to stage the next Pinoy Power card in Manila.

Source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  | BoxingScene.com

Pacman to win by KO – Donaire

Nonito Donaire is putting his money on a late-rounds stoppage by Manny Pacquiao on March 13.

Donaire, regarded as the heir apparent of Pacquiao, told the weekly PSA Forum last Tuesday that the Filipino’s speed and power will be too much for Ghanaian Joshua Clottey to handle when the two tangle at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.

“Clottey is a tough fighter and has a very good defense,” Donaire noted.

Pacquiao will inflict damage early in the fight and he will catch him (Clottey) later on,” the Bohol-born, US-raised fighter said.

Donaire, meanwhile, revealed that he will likely return to the ring on May 8 in Mexico against an opponent soon-to-be-named and that he will plunge into training by the middle of March since he has to have “eight weeks of good training.”

On Donaire’s radar screen are Fernando Montiel of Mexico and Hozumi Hasagewa of Japan.

“I want that fight (on May 8) to be a world title fight at 118 lbs,” said the 27-year-old Donaire, who reigns as the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super-fly titleholder.

While there is still plenty of free time, Donaire is concentrating on some showbiz commitments, including a stint in Pacquiao’s comedy show "Show Me D Manny".

“I have to be in training soon,” answered Donaire when asked about his appearance on the show, adding that he will possibly pinch-hit a maximum of four episodes.

Source: Nick Giongco  | Manila Bulletin

Donaire to fight in May

MANILA, Philippines - No opponent has been named but interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. yesterday said his manager Cameron Dunkin confirmed his next fight will be on May 8 in Mexico or Las Vegas in the 118-pound bantamweight division.

“I’ll be ready for whomever Cameron and Top Rank put in front of me,” said Donaire who arrived in Manila last Friday with wife Rachel and father-in-law Gerry Marcial from San Francisco. “I’m hoping it’ll be a title fight. For what title, I still don’t know. But it probably won’t be against (WBO bantamweight champion) Fernando Montiel who’s committed to fight mandatory challenger Eric Morel next.”

Donaire, 27, said he’s moving up to bantamweight unless there’s an opportunity to face either WBO superflyweight titlist Jorge Arce of Mexico or unified WBA and WBC 115-pound champion Vic Darchinyan of Australia. He admitted scaling five to six pounds over the limit the day before the weigh-in for his superflyweight title defense against Mexico’s Manuel (Chango) Vargas in Las Vegas last Feb. 13.

“It was tough going down to 115,” said Donaire. “But a fighter has to do what he has to do. I made it on my first try at the weigh-in. I hardly ate for two days. I’ll stay a superflyweight only if I fight Arce or Darchinyan.”

Donaire said his “wish” order of battle for the year lists Darchinyan, Arce and Montiel.


“My first target is Darchinyan who holds two titles then Arce to unify the WBA, WBC and WBO superflyweight championships and finally, Montiel for the bantamweight belt before the year ends,” said Donaire. “If that happens, I’ll be a three-division world champion this year.”

Donaire said there’s also the possibility of challenging WBC superbantamweight champion Israel Vazquez who’s due to defend his crown against Rafael Marquez in their fourth grudge match in Los Angeles on May 22.

“Vazquez has been calling me out,” said Donaire. “I’ll move up to superbantamweight if we can make it happen. Going up to 122 pounds is no problem. I could fight the winner of his bout against Marquez at the end of this year or early next year.”

Darchinyan, 34, is set to defend his twin crowns against Mexico’s Rodrigo Guerrero in Rancho Mirage, California, on March 6. Arce, 30, won the vacant WBO title on a seventh round technical decision over Indonesia’s Angky Angkota in Mexico City last Jan. 30. Montiel, 30, retained his WBO diadem on a first round knockout over Filipino Ciso Morales in the Donaire-Vargas undercard. Vazquez, 32, ended a 19-month layoff to halt Angel Priolo in Los Angeles last October and has beaten Marquez in two of three meetings so far.

Donaire disclosed that Vargas suffered a dislocated jaw in the second round and proved to be a tough customer. Vargas was pulled in three days before the fight as a late replacement for Gerson Guerrero who was scratched after doctors confirmed a detached retina in the right eye.

“He was tougher than I thought,” said Donaire. “Vargas was in shape because he was scheduled to fight in Mexico that night. I remember Raul Martinez went down when I hit him with a right but I did the same to Vargas and he took it standing up. I finally got him with a left uppercut. It took me two rounds to figure him out. I trained hard for the fight. In the gym, I built up my speed with plyometrics. I worked on my legs. I was confident of winning and confidence is the key to victory.”

Donaire said his cornermen Robert Garcia and Jonathan Peñalosa set him on track for the knockout over Vargas.

“Robert and Jonathan worked well together,” he said. “During the fight, Robert told me to go side-to-side, to let loose and relax. Jonathan told me to keep pumping my jab and take advantage of my length. I was too stiff in the first two rounds trying to go for a one-punch knockout. In the third, I went side-to-side and it opened up angles for my shots. I felt really strong using my speed and power.”

Donaire said the win over Vargas showed the wide range in his arsenal.

“I’ve got a lot of weapons now,” he said. “I stopped Darchinyan with a left hook. I got Martinez with a right. I finished off Vargas with a left uppercut. Both my hands are weapons. I can attack with an overhand right and a right straight, too. I can switch to southpaw if it’s necessary. I’m sticking with Robert, Jonathan and my conditioning coach Mike Bazzel in my corner.”

Donaire cited Garcia’s contributions. Garcia, who trains fighters at the converted firehouse La Colonia Gym in Oxnard, near Los Angeles, was once an IBF superfeatherweight champion.

“Robert is a great strategist,” said Donaire. “He came in last January to visit my camp at Undisputed in San Carlos. We worked on a gameplan with Jonathan. He gave me solid advice. Two weeks before the fight, we hooked up. His two world champions Brian Viloria and Steven Luevano had just lost so he was feeling down. He’s a super nice guy and he’s really close to his fighters like they’re brothers. He was very happy after I knocked out Vargas and gave me a big hug in the ring.”

Donaire said he will stay in Manila until March 2.

“I’ll attend the PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Awards Night on March 1 for sure,” he said. “It’s an honor to join the country’s best athletes in an event organized by the PSA. But before that, I plan to visit Z Gorres in Cebu.”

Donaire provided Gorres, recovering from brain surgery, and his wife Datches ringside tickets to witness the “Latin Fury 13/Pinoy Power 3” sequel in Las Vegas and promised to give a share of his purse. Donaire will fly to Cebu to personally hand out the share to Gorres. He didn’t reveal how much is his contribution but said it comes straight from the heart. The amount is rumored to be in six figures.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Donaire to help in Gorres’ rehabilitation

Nonito Donaire has a heart of gold.

Touched by the plight of fallen fighter Z Gorres, who will never box again after suffering a near-fatal injury last year in Las Vegas, Donaire said Friday that he is lending him a helping hand.

Appearing before the media during victory luncheon hosted by GMA 7, Donaire said he “could feel what he is going through” being a fellow fighter and that he is “planning to see him and offer him something for a few months.”

Donaire arrived Friday from the US, less than a week after scoring a smashing win over Mexican Manuel Vargas.

He was warmly met by GMA executives led by its president and CEO Felipe Gozon, who praised the reigning World Boxing Association interim super-flyweight king for his latest exploit.

Accompanied by his wife Rachel, Donaire said his next fight is still on the drawing board although he is aching to get his hands on the mouthy Vic Darchinyan, the Armenian-Australian who has been criticizing him since Donaire dealt him a savage fifth-round knockout loss in 2007.

Promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc., Donaire said another option is to face Mexican Fernando Montiel, the rugged body-puncher who disposed of the untested Filipino Ciso Morales on the undercard of the Donaire-Vargas scuffle.

“If they want to fight me,” said Donaire in his uncharacteristic swagger, “I am just here and ready to fight them.”

In the meantime, Donaire said he will take a break from boxing by appearing on the comedy show "Show Me Da Manny" in the absence of the star of the show, Manny Pacquiao.

Source: Nick Giongco  | Manila Bulletin

Donaire wants shot at Montiel's crown

MANILA, Philippines - Interim WBA super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. yesterday ruled out a rematch with Armenian Vic Darchinyan and expressed his desire to move up in weight to get a crack at reigning WBO bantamweight titlist Fernando Montiel.

“How can I beg him (Darchinyan) for a rematch when I was the one who knocked him out?” said Donaire in yesterday’s press conference arranged by TV network GMA 7 at its main building in Quezon City. “He should be the one asking for a re-match.”

Donaire joined the growing list of Filipino boxing champions when he knocked out Darchinyan three years ago, winning the International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization flyweight crowns.

“It’s been a long time, I’ve been waiting for a rematch for a long time now but I’d rather choose a champion who respects me and I respect in return,” said Donaire, ranked No. 6 pound-for-pound boxer in the world by The Ring magazine. “I have no time for games.”

Donaire, accompanied by wife Rachel, headed straight to GMA 7 upon arrival yesterday morning, fresh from knocking out Mexican challenger Manuel Vargas in the third round of their scheduled 12-round bout in Las Vegas, Nevada to retain his crown.


Meanwhile, Donaire said he will donate part of his earnings to fallen fellow boxer and friend Z Gorres.

“I would give some of my earnings to Z Gorres, a fellow fighter, a countryman and a good friend of mine,” said Donaire, who won a guaranteed purse of $250,000, or P11.5 million for his victory over Vargas.

The Donaires was welcomed by top GMA executives who included president and CEO Felipe Gozon, vice president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar, senior VP for entertainment Wilma Galvante and VP for talent development Ida Henares.

Donaire said he also plans to fly to Cebu City to spend time with Gorres.

“I would fly to Cebu and see Z Gorres there and I’ll probably take my time,” said Donaire, who also donated P1 million to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy last year.

He said he’s ready to climb to the 118-pound division to fight Montiel.

“I want a more challenging fight to prove my potential. I’m ready to climb from flyweight to bantamweight if in case I end up fighting Montiel,” said Donaire, who was born in Bohol and raised in Gen. Santos City where idol and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao hails. “I want to get the best of me and with the help and support of Filipinos, I’m sure I will win.”

But the Fil-Am champion, who improved to 22 wins, including 11 KOs against a loss, said it would be better if he fights Darchinyan first before taking on Montiel.

“It would be better if I fight Darchinyan first and then Montiel later. But it seems like they want me to beg them (Darchinyan camp) to fight me, which I will not do,” said Donaire, who won three national amateur championships, including the National Silver Gloves in 1998, the National Junior Olympics in 1999 and the National USA Tournament in 2000. Donaire also captured the International Junior Olympics in 1999.

Source: Joey Villar  | Philstar.com

Donaire arriving in Manila on Friday

MANILA, Philippines -- World super flyweight interim champ Nonito Donaire Jr. is set to arrive in Manila on Friday after successfully defending his title against Mexican Manuel “Chango” Vargas in Las Vegas.

According to PhilBoxing.com, the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) champ will arrive in Manila at 10:30 a.m. via Hong Kong. He will be accompanied by his wife Rachel.

Donaire destroyed Vargas in 3 rounds in the main event of Pinoy Power III at the Las Vegas Hilton Pavilion.

He decked the Mexican with a solid left upper cut at 1:40 in Round 3.

After winning the fight, Donaire said he is very much willing to face bitter rival Vic Darchinyan for the Armenian’s unified WBA and World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight belts.

Donaire knocked out Darchinyan in the 5th round of their bout in 2007. He won the Armenian’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title.

“That’s what I came for and hopefully I’ll get that fight. I’m here, I’m a fighter but I gotta listen to my guys,” he said.

Other possible match ups for Donaire are against reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight king Jorge Arce and WBO bantamweight champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel.

Montiel stopped Filipino challenger Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales in the first round of the co-main header of Pinoy Power III.

Source: Author Unknown  | abs-cbnnew.com

Darchinyan may have to wait as Donaire weighs option

Vic Darchinyan may have to wait for his long-sought rematch with the “Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire, Jr.

Annoyed by the continuous tirades being thrown at him by the loudmouth from Armenia, Donaire expressed his intention not to give Darchinyan a return bout, and instead look for another title option, including a showdown with World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel.

“I may not fight him [Darchinyan] because there’s Montiel and his showing was great," said Donaire minutes after scoring a third-round knockout of Mexican Manuel Vargas in the main bout of the boxing card “Pinoy Power 3/Latin Fury 13" at the Hilton Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Saturday.

Montiel certainly, was great in his first round demolition of Filipino Ciso Morales as he retained his 118-pound belt in the undercard of the same promotion put up by Top Rank.

But a fight with Montiel may have to take a while for Donaire as the Mexican is likely to meet Eric Morel of Puerto Rico first.

Morel earned a shot at Montiel’s crown when he scored a split decision over veteran Gerry Peñalosa in a title eliminator match that may be the last fight for the 37-year-old Filipino warrior.

Donaire (23-1, 15 KOs) also expressed his intention to move up again in weight after admitting he’s beginning to outgrow the super-flyweight division.

Door still open to 'Darchi'

But at the same time, he’s not also closing a possible meeting with Darchinyan since, “he [Darchinyan] wants a rematch, and I want his belts."

Darchinyan is now the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) super-flyweight champion following a devastating second-round knockout of Tomas Rojas last December.

Now based in Australia, the Armenian suffered his first career loss at the hands of Donaire in a stunning fifth-round technical knockout in Connecticut three years ago.

The win allowed Donaire to wrest the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title in a match later voted as the 2007 Upset of the Year.

During the same “Pinoy Power" boxing card, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao urged the throng of Filipinos in the crowd to donate whatever amount they can to his foundation, the proceeds of which will be used to finance the recovery of Z “The Dream" Gorres.

The injured boxer finally left Las Vegas for the Philippines Sunday together with wife Datches after spending more than two months in the U.S. to recover and rehabilitate from brain surgery.

Gorres collapsed inside the ring moments after a 10-round unanimous decision over Colombian Luis Melendez.

He underwent surgery to relieve the swelling on his brain owing to a blood clot.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Donaire stops foe in third round

MANILA, Philippines - Nonito Donaire Jr. only needed three rounds to knock out Manuel Vargas of Mexico while veteran Gerry Peñalosa used all 12 rounds but still fell short against Erik Morel of Puerto Rico in the featured bouts of the “Pinoy Power III” fight card in Las Vegas yesterday.

Manny Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound champion, and Z Gorres, who fought for his life following a brain operation last November, were at ringside of the Hilton Hotel and Casino and watched three other Filipinos take the spotlight before going opposite ways.

Bernabe Concepcion showed what a sound training camp can do as he pulled off a convincing win over Mario Santiago. He sent the Puerto Rican down on the floor in the sixth round and cruised to a decent 10-round decision in their featherweight contest.

Welterweight Mark Jason Melligen bounced back from a bitter loss to Michel Rosales late last year when he scored a TKO win over erstwhile unbeaten Raymond Gatica while Ciso Morales, the Filipino who showed great promise in the previous fights, was a disappointment.

Morales, winner of his first 14 bouts, almost killed himself trying to lose 12 pounds in the week heading to his bantamweight clash with WBO champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel. He paid the price when he took a body shot and was knocked out in the 2:06 mark of the opening round.


Pacquiao must have felt the pain watching from ringside as Morales went down and out after taking a solid blow to the mid-section.

But none would have hurt the world’s greatest boxer today than the bitter loss suffered by Peñalosa, his close friend. Morel was the taller, longer fighter but Peñalosa, at 37 just trying to stretch his luck on the ring, managed himself pretty well, and dropped a split decision.

Peñalosa’s trainer, Freddie Roach, felt they could have won the bout, which could be the last for the fearless Peñalosa.

It was the eighth loss for Peñalosa, a former world bantamweight champion who has won 54 fights, 36 of them by knockout. When he lost to Juan Manuel Lopez last year, many thought he should have retired, and now the question will continue to haunt him.

Lopez was also at ringside, and may be looking at Concepcion, of Virac in Catanduanes, as his next opponent. That would be a fight worth looking forward to, but the Filipino must do a lot better if he wants to take the world title away from Lopez.

Donaire, the WBA interim super-flyweight champion, improved to 22 wins with 11 knockouts against a single loss, was in a hurry to get rid of his opponent, actually a last-minute replacement for Gerson Guerrero who had a torn retina.

Yet, the Filipino landed most of his punches, and in the 1:33 mark of the third round he connected with a left uppercut that signalled the end of the bout. Vargas was counted out as he lay on the canvas.

After the fight, Donaire told fight commentator Ronnie Nathanielzs he was “just being cautious” since he wasn’t too sure what Vargas could offer.

“I felt stiff in the first two rounds but I wanted to knock him out,” said Donaire, who admitted that Vargas was “strong” and “hits hard.”

Again, Donaire hinted of moving up in weight, from 115 to 118, and is looking at WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel. Or even Morel, for a chance to avenge Peñalosa’s defeat.

Source: Abac Cordero  | Philstar.com

Pinoy Power 3: Filipinos score 3 out of 5

WBA interim superflyweight champ Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire (22W-1L, 11KO’s) knocked out challenger Manuel Vargas of Mexico in the 3rd round.
Donaire landed power shots with ease. A sharp left uppercut in the third round sent Vargas to the canvas and he stayed flat on his back for the full ten count. Official time: 1:33 of the third round.


The Mexican known as “Chango” gave up too much in height and reach. Vargas (26W-4L-1D, 11KO’s) last fought at 105 lbs. and lost a split decision to WBO minimumweight champ Donnie "Ahas" Nietes in a fight held last September in Nayarit, Mexico

Vargas was a late substitute for Gerson Guerrero, who was found to have a tear in his right eye retina during the pre-fight medical examination and was not allowed to fight.
WBO bantamweight champ Fernando Montiel (40W-2L-2D, 30 KO’s) of Mexico scored a first round knockout over Ciso Morales using a vicious left hook to the body. Official time: 2:06 of 1st.

This was only Morales’ 15th pro fight and his first career loss.

Former two time world champ Gerry Penalosa (54-8-2, 36 KOs) lost to former WBA world flyweight champ Eric “Hands of Steel” Morel (42-2, 21 KOs) in a bantamweight eliminator and the WBO interim belt. The 37 year old Penalosa had trouble catching the taller and fast moving Morel early in the fight.

Penalosa went to the body but suffered a swelling under his left eye. Penalosa found his range and started to rally in the 6th. Two headbutts opened cuts on Gerry’s face in the 7th. But Penalosa continued his rally and landed the cleaner punches.

From the ninth round onwards Morel was getting pummelled and retreating but still managed to win. The scores – 115-113 and 116-112 for Morel and 115-113 for Penalosa.

Bernabe “The Real Deal” Concepcion ( 28W (14 KO’s) – 3 L- 1 D) scored an impressive unanimous decision win over Puerto Rican Mario Santiago (21W (14KO’s) -2L-1D).

Concepcion used good lateral movement and textbook weapons against a southpaw – right hand lead and left hook. A well timed right sent Santiago crashing to the canvas in round 6.

Concepcion went on cruise control but Santiago tried to stage a late rally in the 10th and final round with low blows and tried to pin the Filipino on the ropes.The score cards read: 98-91, 97-92 and 96-93.

Concepcion has been promised another title shot against WBO featherweight champ Juan Manuel Lopez. Concepcion lost by disqualification against Steven Luevano last August in his first title shot. Luevano has since been dethroned by Lopez.

Mark Jason Melligen of the ALA Gym won by 6th round TKO over Raymond Gatica (11W (6KO’s) -1L -0) of the U.S. and handed him his first career loss. Melligen is now 17 wins with 13 KO's and 2 losses.
This fight card was held at the Las Vegas Hilton. Watching the fights and providing inspiration were Z “The Dream” Gorres and world’s best boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Source: Rene Bonsubre  | PhilBoxing

Nonito Donaire makes easy work of Manuel Vargas

Nonito Donaire loomed large tonight at the Las Vegas Hilton live on Top Rank’s pay-per-view, stopping an outgunned Manuel Vargas in three rounds. Donaire towered over the smaller Vargas who took the fight on short notice moving up in weight.

Despite being the main event, the bout had more of an exhibition feeling as the supremely talented Donaire had his way with an overmatched opponent, putting his array of skills on display for a wide audience. Donaire set things up with his jab and was patient setting up his attack.

In the third Donaire caught Vargas with blistering left uppercut that ended his night hard and suddenly. The official time was 1:33 of Round 3. With the victory Donaire improved to 23-1 (15 KOs) and a super fight / rematch with the brutish Vic Darchinyan looks likely later this year.

Source: Ace Freeman  | FightFan.com

Nonito Donaire "Flash"es out inferior Vargas

Nonito Donaire showed why Vic Darchinyan should not ask for a rematch. Donaire slamed punces and punches into vargas' face. It took only three rounds for Nonito and his corner to figure out the puzzle.

Come the 3rd Round, The Filipino Flash tormented Vargas with straights and an uppercut to seal the deal and to end Pinoy Power 3 with a sweet end.

Vargas went down from the uppercut and never tried to get back up. He is much smaller, both with height and weight. With that fact, Donaire wasted no time to avenge revenge for Penalosa's controversial loss and to Ciso "Kid Terrible" Morales' 1st Round loss to Montiel.

Note: During a post-fight interview, Nonito Doniare thanked all the people for their support of Pinoy Power 3!

Source: Tarquin Tomada  | BalotSports.info

Pinoy pugs go for broke

Pinoy Power 3/ Latin Fury 13 fighters

MANILA, Philippines - Five Filipino fighters take on dangerous opponents in crossroads bouts at the Las Vegas Hilton this morning (Manila time) with the rewards far outweighing the risks if they pull off convincing wins.

But it won’t be easy for Nonito Donaire Jr., Gerry Peñalosa, Ciso Morales, Bernabe Concepcion and Mark Jason Melligen who are seeing action in a blockbuster card billed “Latin Fury 13/Pinoy Power 3” staged by Top Rank.

Donaire, 27, stakes his interim WBA superflyweight crown against Mexico’s Manuel (Chango) Vargas, a late replacement for original challenger Gerson Guerrero who was scratched with a detached retina in the right eye last Wednesday.

“I’ve always been prepared to fight anybody,” Donaire told espn.com. “I can adapt to any changes. I am ready for anybody. Whomever they put in, so be it. As long as I get to fight, I’m happy.”

Donaire offered to move up the limit to 118 pounds to accommodate a bigger opponent until Vargas was picked over former WBO superflyweight titlist Jose (Carita) Lopez and Hugo Ruiz. Vargas, 28, has a 26-4-1 record, with 11 KOs, and is coming off a loss by split decision to Filipino Donnie Nietes in a bid for the WBO minimumweight crown last September. The Mexican got the nod to tangle with Donaire because he was in shape for another bout this weekend.


Donaire is in line to battle WBA and WBC unified superflyweight titlist Vic Darchinyan in a rematch or newly crowned WBO champion Jorge Arce so he can’t afford to lose to Vargas. He’s just a win away from sealing a crack for a second world crown.

In Donaire’s corner for the bout will be former IBF superfeatherweight titleholder Robert Garcia, Jonathan Peñalosa and conditioning coach Mike Bazzel of the Undisputed Gym.

Peñalosa, 37, vowed to go all out for a knockout against former WBA flyweight and IBA superflyweight champion Eric (Little Hands of Steel) Morel of Puerto Rico in a 12-round duel for the interim WBO bantamweight diadem. He said losing isn’t an option.

Morel, 34, has won six in a row since coming back from a two-year prison stay for sexually assaulting an unconscious 15-year-old girl in an apartment. Known as a defensive stylist, Morel will use his 2 1/2-inch height advantage and a glaring five-inch edge in reach to frustrate Peñalosa. The 1996 Olympian said he is dedicating the fight to his fiancée Francisca Padilla and his two daughters Janessa, 13, and Jalyssa, 7, who kept the faith throughout his imprisonment.

Brushing aside talk of retirement, Peñalosa said after disposing of Morel, he will challenge WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel who defends the 118-pound belt against the Bohol-born Morales on the same card. But that depends on whether Montiel repulses Morales.

Montiel, 30, is a former WBO flyweight and two-time superflyweight titlist who looked shaky in escaping with a technical decision over Alejandro Valdez last September. The Mexican was supposed to face Z Gorres in a rematch but with the Filipino recovering from brain surgery, he chose to meet Morales instead of experienced warrior Michael Domingo. In 2007, Montiel scored a split 12-round decision over Gorres to retain the WBO 115-pound title in Cebu City. Gorres will be at ringside to watch the card as Donaire’s special guest. He is set to fly back to Cebu on Tuesday with wife Daches after surviving his ordeal.

Morales, 22, has a 14-0 record, with eight KOs, compared to Montiel’s 39-2-2, with 29 KOs. Youth will be on his side but unless he overpowers Montiel, Morales may not be able to outbox the slick Mexican who is tipped to win on points. In Morales’ corner will be Donaire’s father Dodong.

Concepcion, 22, will square off against Puerto Rican southpaw Mario Santiago in a featherweight showdown. The Virac, Catanduanes, contender is determined to earn another world title shot after blowing his chance in a loss to then WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano on a seventh round disqualification in Las Vegas last August.

What could stymie Concepcion is Santiago’s five-inch reach advantage. Santiago, 31, held Luevano to a split draw in their own title bout in 2008 and is as ready as Concepcion to win. His only defeat was a technical decision to one-time Manny Pacquiao victim Hector Velazquez. Santiago, 31, boasts a 21-1-1 record, with 14 KOs, while Concepcion’s mark is 27-3-1, with 15 KOs.

Melligen, 23, is booked against Texan Raymond Gatica in an eight-rounder. The Bacolod City welterweight hopes to bounce back from a split decision loss to Mexico’s Michel Rosales in Las Vegas last November. Before the defeat, Melligen had won 10 straight, seven by KO. It will be his sixth US outing.

Gatica, 25, is unbeaten with an 11-0 record, including six KOs, compared to Melligen’s 16-2, with 12 KOs. He ended a 17-month layoff to halt Julio Perez in the fourth round last December.

“Melligen is in a must-win situation,” said ALA stable owner Tony Aldeguer. “If he loses, Top Rank will drop him like a hot potato. He can’t afford to lose this fight and he knows it.”

For the five Filipino fighters, it’s a do-or-die mission. That’s why they’re expected to pull out all the stops in what could be the fight of their lives.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Filipino boxers aim for sweep in ‘Pinoy Power 3’

Donaire headlines Pinoy Power 3

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Bernabe Concepcion, Ciso Morales, and Gerry Peñalosa will be engaged in an all-out war on Valentine's Day.

The Filipino boxers are hoping for a sweep in "Pinoy Power III" which will be held Saturday (Sunday in Manila ). All of them made the weight Friday at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas for their respective fights.

Donaire will defend his WBA super flyweight interim champion title against Manuel Vargas of Mexico .

"I'm really committed in just going for it and not thinking about all the other stuff," Donaire said.

Donaire, The Ring Magazine's Top 6 pound-for-pound boxer, dominated Mexican Raul Martinez in April 2009, and outpointed Rafael "El Torito" Concepcion" of Panama 3 months later.

Donaire (22-1-0, 14KOs) weighed in at 115 pounds while Vargas (34-8-0, 26KOs) came in at 114 pounds.

Meanwhile, Bernabe Concepcion is ready to get back on track after a heartbreaking disqualification in the previous "Pinoy Power" last August due to a late blow he threw against Steven Luevano.

Concepcion, who trained hard at the Wild Card Gym for his fight against Mario Santiago, aims to follow the footsteps of his manager Manny Pacquiao.

"It's great to be training with him. When we get to share the ring, he teaches me footwork and gives me tips in fighting," Concepcion said.



Concepcion (27-3-1, 15 KOs) weighed in at 126 pounds while the Puerto Rican Santiago (21-1-1, 14 KOs ) came in at 126 pounds.

Ring veteran Gerry Peñalosa also takes inspiration from Pacquiao, his friend and idol.

Peñalosa (54-7-2, 36 KOs) came in at 118 pounds while his opponent, Puerto Rican Eric Morel (41-2-0, 21 KOs ), weighed 117 pounds.

The 37-year-old Filipino is confident he can still win his third belt by first defeating Morel in the elimination fight.

Undefeated Ciso "Kid Terrible" Morales, on the other hand, is fighting for his first title as he challenges Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight championship.

Morales (14-0-0, 8 KOs ), who has dedicated his fight to fallen boxer Z Gorres, weighed 118 pounds. Reigning champ Montiel also came in at 118.

Also fighting in the undercard is Filipino Mark Melligen (16-2-0, 12 KOs ), who will battle undefeated Texan Raymond Gatica (11-0-0).

Watch the Filipino boxers' quest for glory on ABS-CBN Sports' "Pinoy Power 3" on Sunday (Feb 14), 10:30 am on ABS-CBN with a delayed telecast on Studio 23 at 11:30am.

Those with cable TV can catch "Pinoy Power 3" on Balls Skycable Ch. 34 on February 16 at 4 pm and February 18 at 9 pm.

Source: Author Unknown  | abs-cbnnew.com

Donaire trying to focus on here and now

Nonito Donaire Media Day

Whether Nonito Donaire faces Gerson Guerrero or last-minute substitute Manuel Vargas, it doesn't really matter. The "Filipino Flash" is supposed to win. He knows it. Manager Cameron Dunkin knows it, and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum knows it.

They all know that if Donaire takes care of Vargas, an opponent only secured Wednesday after Guerrero failed a prefight eye exam, the door for a series of important fights will likely be open.

Donaire, a regular on the pound-for-pound list, will defend his interim junior bantamweight title against Mexico's Vargas on Saturday night (Top Rank PPV, 9 ET, $39.95) at the Las Vegas Hilton in the main event of "Latin Fury 13/Pinoy Power 3."

Despite the fact that few expect Donaire (22-1, 14 KOs) to have any serious issues with Vargas (26-4-1, 11 KOs), he's trying not to get too far ahead of himself.

"That's the hardest part for a fighter, not looking ahead," Donaire said. "It's a lot of pressure on your shoulders. This fight is a gate for my future fights. I have to fight this fight first before I get those bigger names. This is where I've seen fighters stumble and not get their biggest fight. I try to stay focused as much as I can. When I train, though, I get the vision of fighting those other guys and it's hard to focus on this guy.

"I'm not purposely looking ahead, but part of my mind and body is so excited about those other fights that it's hard not to. So this fight is sort of like the motivation. I trained so hard because I don't want to stumble."

Those "other fights" Donaire is talking about include a rematch with unified division champion Vic Darchinyan, whom Donaire knocked out in a 2007 flyweight title fight; Jorge Arce, the charismatic action star who claimed a title a couple of weeks ago; and bantamweight titleholder Fernando Montiel, who defends his belt against Ciso Morales in one of the televised undercard bouts.

"I definitely want to fight those guys, especially Arce and Darchinyan," said Donaire, who is friends with Arce. "It's now or never because my body is feeling the pain of cutting down weight and it's doing more harm than good. I am concentrating on making the weight more than on being in shape, so it's now or never. If those guys want to step up, fine, but we have to schedule it. I want it on paper that we'll make it happen. Boxing is a short life span. I want to reach my potential. If I stay at 115 for a while, it will limit me from where I want to be."

Where he'd like to be is eventually at featherweight, where he says Israel Vazquez has called him out.

"What I want from Darchinyan is the two belts he holds. From Arce, I want the belt he holds," Donaire said. "I don't really want to wait for an opportunity that will take a long time to happen. I want to do those fights, Montiel at 118 and then you have Vazquez. Let's go."

Said Dunkin, "Nonito is 26. He wants the high-profile fights. It's just a matter of putting them together. He's ready to make the move."

Donaire iced Darchinyan with one massive punch in the fifth round to score the upset. A rematch has been talked about since. Now that Darchinyan is the champion at the heavier weight and Donaire is technically his mandatory challenger, it makes all the sense in the world.

"I'm in favor of that rematch," Arum said.

Darchinyan has a Showtime fight on March 6 against Rodrigo Guerrero, but after that his camp is as ready as he is to make the fight.

"I'm on record saying that we're ready to sit down and negotiate that fight on March 7," said Gary Shaw, Darchinyan's promoter.

"Gary said that he could do it in August on Showtime," Dunkin said. "In fact, Darchinyan is fighting [March 6] because he wants to stay on schedule with Donaire."

Arce was beaten down by Darchinyan over 11 lopsided rounds in February 2009. It looked like that might be the end of Arce, who won his next fight but then lost a clear decision to Simphiwe Nongqayi for a vacant belt in September. However, Arce remained alive for another significant fight when he soundly defeated Angky Angkota to claim a vacant belt last month. An Arce-Donaire bout is easy to make because they are both promoted by Top Rank.

"To me, I love Jorge Arce and I only can see one way the Donaire fight ends, which is not so good for Arce," Arum said. "But if [co-promoter] Fernando [Beltran] and Arce want to do it, I would go along, but it wouldn't make me happy."

Donaire wants to fight both guys.

"I would love the rematch with Darchinyan. I want to make it happen," he said. "Everyone wants it. I dissected his style and he hasn't changed. I am ready for it. I'm trying to go after his two belts. But for me, it doesn't matter what order it is. If I get Darchinyan, then I want Arce next. If I get Arce, then I want Darchinyan next. That's what I want to make happen. And then I am ready to move up to 118 and take on Montiel. I think that's the best scenario. If I get past Montiel, I am ready for 122 right away."

While at ringside Saturday, Dunkin will be watching Montiel closely in anticipation of a possible fight with Donaire.

"The Arce and Darchinyan fights are doable, but Montiel is for sure," he said. "I would think that will happen, and I will be watching Montiel closely. That's a terrific fight when Nonito gets to 118."

Arum, who also promotes Montiel, said it's a fight he would also like to make.

"Donaire is a terrific fighter, a terrific talent," Arum said. "He says he is going to go all the way up to featherweight, which means a helluva lot of good matches for him."

The smaller fights, like Donaire-Vargas, are often money-losers for Top Rank, which makes it all the more important to get the higher-profile matches made.

"All you can do is just keep going," Arum said. "You keep him busy and hope you get lightning in a bottle. Other than Showtime, which has showcased Darchinyan, there is really no market for these little guys in America, which is sad because they are very good fighters. So what we have to do is resort to our own devices and do these pay-per-views which can showcase them, and hopefully do enough revenue to pay for it. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. It's a lot of work, not a lot of reward. But these kids deserve a chance."

With a win, it looks like Donaire will get his.

Source: Dan Rafael  | ESPN Go

Donaire ready to face new foe

Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is unfazed with the late replacement of his opponent on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), saying he is prepared to face anyone in Pinoy Power III.

Donaire is defending his World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight belt against dangerous Mexican challenger Manuel “Chango” Vargas, who replaced compatriot Gerson Guerrero.

“I just want to fight – bring on anyone,” said the “Filipino Flash,” who has been training for Guerrero for over two months.

The US-based Filipino boxer has continued to rise in the pound-for-pound rankings ever since his smashing knockout of then flyweight champ Vic Darchinyan in 2007.

Vargas, however, is a dangerous opponent for Donaire. Last year, the Mexican nearly upset World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimum weight champion Donnie Nietes. The controversial bout was scored a split decision in favor of Nietes.

Peñalosa to pull off a surprise

Veteran boxer Gerry Peñalosa, meanwhile, said he is pulling off a surprise in his fight with Eric Morel for a crack at another world title.

Despite taking a beating in his previous fight with Juan Manuel Lopez, the 37 year-old boxer is dead set to improve his impressive resume of 54 wins and 2 world championships.

“I have made all the sacrifices to make sure I’m 100% for the fight,” he said.

Also competing in the “Pinoy Power III” card are Filipinos Bernabe Concepcion, Mark Melligen, and Ciso Morales who will go up against Latino fighters Mario Santiago, Raymond Gatica, and Fernando Montiel.

“Pinoy Power III” airs on Sunday (February 14), 10:30 am on ABS-CBN with a delayed telecast on Studio 23 at 11:30 am. Also catch the fights on Balls Skycable Channel 34 on February 16 at 4pm and February 18 at 9pm.

Source: Author Unknown  | abs-cbnnew.com

Donaire is the latest Filipino contender

LAS VEGAS – It’s not lost on Nonito Donaire, the World Boxing Association interim super flyweight champion, what it means to be a headline act at the Las Vegas Hilton.

This is where Elvis Presley used to star and where Donaire’s name now adorns the hotel/casino’s oversized marquee.

Seated upon the ring apron at the Top Rank Gym in the shadow of the Las Vegas Strip, Donaire beams when the connection between with Presley is mentioned. Donaire was born in 1982, more than five years after Presley died in Memphis, Tenn., but he’s a devoted fan.

“Thank you,” he said in a mock Elvis voice. “Thank you very much.”

Donaire, 27, dreams of one day fighting World Boxing Organization featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez and will have much to be thankful for if he gets the chance.

He’s in many ways following the path blazed by his countryman, Manny Pacquiao, who began his boxing career at 106 pounds in the Philippines and is now the pound-for-pound king while competing at welterweight.

Donaire (22-1, 14 KOs) hopes to eventually make his mark as a three- four- or even five-division champion. He’s got two under his belt – he was the International Boxing Federation flyweight champion before taking the WBA super flyweight crown – and he longs to take on the biggest stars at bantamweight, super bantamweight and, most of all, at featherweight.

Donaire, though, has a title defense to concern himself with Saturday in the main event of a Top Rank pay-per-view card at the Las Vegas Hilton. He was slated to meet hard-punching Gerson Guerrero, but will now face Manuel Vargas because Guerrero has a detached retina and failed the ophthalmologic examination administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

For many young fighters, a change in opponents at such a late date could be disastrous. But Donaire’s manager, Cameron Dunkin, insists that the change will have no impact.

“Before he was with me, his Dad [Nonito Sr.] was making his fights for him and he never knew until the last minute who he was fighting,” Dunkin said. “He was called in as an opponent. He’s totally comfortable with this. He’s very adaptable and he’s the kind of a kid who can pretty much fight any style. The change won’t bother him a bit.”

Promoter Bob Arum said that if Donaire wins, he’d like to rematch him with Vic Darchinyan, whom Donaire stopped in the fifth round of an IBF flyweight title fight in 2007.

Though there has been talk of a bout with bantamweight title-holder Jorge Arce after the Vargas fight, Arum said he’s open to a Donaire-Darchinyan rematch as Donaire’s next outing if he’s successful Saturday. He mentioned super bantamweight star Israel Vazquez as another high-profile potential opponent down the road.

But while Donaire has a title defense in front of him and is eager to again get his hands on Darchinyan, his main goal lies far in the distance. He wants to move up to featherweight and take on Lopez, who has become one of the big stars in the lighter weight divisions.

If Donaire can make that move and is successful at featherweight, he will have a chance not only to duplicate the path Pacquiao has blazed, but to potentially match his stardom.

Pacquiao built an exceptional fan base in the Philippines and expanded it worldwide as he began moving up in weight, defying the odds and beating naturally much bigger men.

Donaire has a solid following in the Philippines, but Arum said he still has a long way to go to get into Pacquiao’s neighborhood.

“He’s well-liked over there and he’s the most popular fighter there other than Manny, but there’s Manny up here and then there’s everyone else,” Arum said. “If Pacquiao is a 10, Donaire is maybe a three and a guy like [Gerry] Penalosa is a two and everyone else goes down from there.”

The average American fan is largely unaware of Donaire, simply because few other than the hardcore fans pay attention to fights below featherweight.

Donaire, though, is a big super flyweight and Dunkin, one of the game’s most astute minds, insists he’ll have no problem eventually fighting at featherweight. He weighs in the mid-to-high 130s between fights and often spars with larger men.

Kenny Adams, one of the world’s elite trainers, raves about Donaire’s physical gifts. It’s that speed, quickness and power that allows him to compete on more or less even terms with the much bigger men with whom he trains.

“I watch him in the gym and he spars lightweights and junior lightweights and he competes them with no problem,” Dunkin said. “When he’s at 130, 128, 132 [in training camp], those kinds of weights, he hits so much harder and he’s just as fast.”

Donaire is something of a boxing historian. He’s read about greats such as Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard and admires their willingness to take on challenges many thought were out of their reach.

He wants to emulate them and meet the biggest and the best opponents he can.

“People really get excited and get talking about boxing when you put the best guys in with the best,” Donaire said. “I don’t want to sound overconfident when I say I want to take on JuanMa Lopez. I get a fire when I see him and when I hear people talking about him. It’s a great challenge to me. There’s no one out there that gets that fire burning inside of me … like it does when I hear people talking about JuanMa.”

A fight with – and a win over – Lopez would clearly make Donaire a star in the U.S. That Donaire can even be considered for stardom in the U.S., though, is a tribute to Pacquiao.

“Before Manny came along, people would look at the Filipino fighters like they were cannon fodder,” Arum said. “It was like the Koreans. You’d bring them over to get your guy a big victory. But because of what Manny has accomplished, there’s more money coming in and these [Filipino] kids are being given a chance to develop and become successful.

“Nonito is a wonderful kid and he’s obviously a terrific fighter. If, and if is the operative word here, because I’m not sure, but if he can make it up to featherweight and fight these monsters like Lopez and [Yuriorkis] Gamboa, he has a great opportunity to become a star here. But he’s got a lot of work ahead of him before he gets to that point.”

Donaire concedes that, but working hard is not an issue for him. He is a boxing guy to the core and wants to keep the sport on its current upward spiral.

“If you give the people the kind of fights they want, put the best against the best, and then the guys come to fight hard, boxing is going to be the best sport out there,” Donaire said. “We’re starting to see that happen more and more and I am going to do what I can to help build on that momentum.”

If he gets those fights, he won’t be the only one rocking to Elvis’ standard, “Viva, Las Vegas!”

Source: Kevin Iole  | Yahoo! Sports

Donaire-Guerrero is Off, Manuel Vargas a Late Sub

BoxingScene.com has confirmed with Top Rank that Nonito Donaire's opponent for Saturday night's Pinoy Power 3/Latin Fury pay-per-view, Gerson Guerrero, failed his eye exam and therefore he is out of the fight. Guerrero's eye exam showed a detached retina.

Donaire is scheduled to headline the show at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. Donaire's manager Cameron Dunkin informed BoxingScene that Manuel Vargas has accepted the fight.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has approved Vargas as a late replacement to fight Donaire. Vargas jumps around in weight, and competes at both flyweight and minimumweight. He dropped a split decision to Donnie Nietes last September.

Source: Rick Reeno  | BoxingScene.com