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

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

Gerry defers decision to retire

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time world boxing champion Gerry Peñalosa said the other day he hasn’t made up his mind whether or not to retire but will make an announcement in a week about his future plans.

Speaking from his Las Vegas Hilton hotel room in an overseas phonecall, Peñalosa deferred making a hasty decision after he lost a controversial split 12-round verdict to Eric Morel in an interim WBO bantamweight title bout last Saturday. He left Las Vegas for Los Angeles yesterday and will fly back to Manila today, landing on Friday.

“My dream is to retire a world champion,” said Peñalosa. “I’m no quitter. But I’m thinking about the future. I’m talking things over with my family. I’m considering my health which is important to my wife and kids. I think Morel can become a world champion someday. He has a good chance to beat (Fernando) Montiel if they fight for the WBO title. But is Morel worthy to become a world champion?”

Peñalosa said it’s not fair for Morel to challenge Montiel for the world crown because last Saturday’s outcome wasn’t conclusive. He disclosed that Freddie Roach, who worked his corner, wants a rematch.

“After the fight, I asked Freddie what he thinks is next for me, what he wants me to do,” said Peñalosa. “He told me I won the fight and he wants a rematch. Even if we ask for a rematch, I don’t think Morel will agree to fight me again. Why will he take a chance on me?”


Peñalosa said if not for the cuts he suffered from headbutts, the fight would’ve had a more decisive conclusion. Morel’s headbutts opened two cuts on both Peñalosa’s eyebrows. Peñalosa said two of the four cuts had to be closed with four stitches each in the hospital.

“The cuts weren’t that deep but the blood was bothering my vision,” said Peñalosa. “I wanted to pressure Morel a lot more especially when he started to slow down midway in the fight. I think I controlled the fight in the late rounds and hurt him with body shots. But because of the blood, I couldn’t go all out. I had to fight a little defensively.”

Peñalosa said despite the handicap, he refused to quit. “When the ringside doctor examined me a second time, he asked if I could see clearly,” he related. “I told him I couldn’t see too much but I could still fight.”

Peñalosa insisted none of Morel’s blows had a major impact.

“I can take his power,” said Peñalosa. “His power wasn’t the problem. It was my cuts. I could see his first punch coming but because of the blood entering my eyes, I couldn’t see his follow-up so I had difficulty countering. I had to cover up more than I wanted to because I couldn’t see where his second punches were coming from.”

Peñalosa said he trained hard for the fight and it showed down the stretch.

“My stamina was good,” he continued. “I never got tired. I think I was fresher than him in the end. If ever we fight again, I’ll pressure him from the start. My mistake was I let him get an early lead then when I got cut, I fought defensively and became erratic with my offense.”

Peñalosa said he hasn’t discussed the future with promoter Bob Arum.

“We haven’t talked,” said Peñalosa, referring to the Top Rank chief executive officer. “But I spoke with my manager Billy (Keane, Roach’s best friend). Billy told me he’ll abide by whatever decision I make. Billy feels that if I’m still hungry, if I still want to win the title badly, I should go on. If you’re hungry, you’ll have the discipline to train hard. But if you’ve lost the will to win, then it’s time to retire.”

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Gerry Penalosa Will Likely Continue To Fight On

Former two division world champion Gerry Penalosa may be a veteran at 37 years of age but despite another painful setback on the threshold of one more title shot, the gallant southpaw appropriately nicknamed "Fearless" clearly finds it hard to quit the sport he loves with a passion.

Penalosa lost a split decision to former world champion Eric Morel of Puerto Rico in a WBO title eliminator that was to give the winner a crack at champion Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel of Mexico.

Montiel was pitted against inexperienced and patently overmatched Filipino Ciso "Kid Terrible" Morales whose 14-0, 8 KO record meant nothing when ranged against Montiel's 39-2-2, 29 KOs slate.

In a conversation hours after the fight and a trip to the hospital to check on his badly battered left eye which was almost totally shut due to an accidental head-butt while his right eye was less damaged also by a head-butt, Penalosa told us he thought he had won which was the view shared by trainer Freddie Roach who worked Penalosa's corner with Manny Pacquiao's conditioning expert Alex Ariza.

Pacquiao who watched the fights with his lovely wife Jinkee told the ABS-CBN television panel composed of Dyan Castillejo and this reporter he felt Penalosa won by at least 7 rounds to 5 .

The head-butts in rounds six and seven almost closed Penalosa's left eye even as blood kept streaming down but when the ring doctor during a break to check him out asked Gerry whether he could see he replied "I can't see but I want to fight" underscoring the gallantry of the Filipino.

Penalosa conceded that he lost the early rounds but turned things around beginning the middle rounds and hurt Morel with some solid body shots in rounds eight and nine as he pressured the Puerto Rican who was breathing heavily.

Penalosa continued to stalk Morel who kept running as the Filipino southpaw kept hammering away. His eye almost shut Penalosa fought furiously in rounds eleven and twelve but apparently hadn't done enough in the eyes of the judges and lost another controversial split decision which made it harder for him to decide whether or not to hang up his gloves.

Penalosa said he wants to spend more time with his charming wife Goody and their two children and will discuss his future with his wife and family before making a decision.

While he knows he can help promising young fighters Penalosa said "it will be easier to help them if I am a champion."

Source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  | BoxingScene.com

Ref says Gerry was robbed

MANILA, Philippines - Veteran international referee Bruce McTavish said yesterday he scored it 115-113 for Gerry Peñalosa in his interim WBO bantamweight title fight against Eric Morel and couldn’t understand how the San Carlos City southpaw lost a split 12-round decision at the Las Vegas Hilton last weekend.

McTavish, who has worked in over 100 world title bouts, said Morel got off to a strong start but Peñalosa clearly controlled the action in the last six rounds. He added that referee Russell Mora should’ve penalized Morel at least a point for repeated holding.

“Morel was warned three or four times for holding,” said McTavish. “If you’re the referee, you deduct a point after the third warning or else why issue a warning in the first place? I thought he did a good job except for the holding.”

McTavish noted that under WBO rules, it isn’t mandatory to deduct a point from a fighter who inflicts a cut on his opponent with an accidental headbutt. However, it is mandatory under WBC rules outside of the US.

“In a WBC-sanctioned bout, a fighter who cuts up an opponent with an accidental headbutt is penalized a point even if he didn’t initiate the contact,” said McTavish. “That’s because of the handicap of a cut fighter. However, the rule doesn’t apply in the US even if it’s a WBC fight. Japan opposed the WBC rule at first but eventually accepted it.”


Morel inflicted severe cuts over both Peñalosa’s eyes with headbutts, causing the Filipino visual difficulty. Twice, Mora called on the ringside physician to check on Peñalosa’s wounds. On one occasion, Peñalosa told the doctor he couldn’t see clearly but wanted to continue fighting.

Although Mora wasn’t obliged to penalize Morel for the headbutts, he should’ve at least docked a point for repeated holding, said McTavish. Morel often locked Peñalosa’s arm when they came close and even held his head down with an arm to throw a punch with his free hand.

The judges’ scoring showed a stark disparity. Duane Ford, 72, saw it 116-112 for Morel, a margin that raised a lot of eyebrows. Paul Smith, 65, had it 115-113, also for the Puerto Rican. Richard Houck dissented, scoring it 115-113 for Peñalosa, the same tally as McTavish.

If Mora penalized Morel two points for holding and other foul tactics, the fight would’ve been a split draw.

Mora has worked in only 10 world title bouts, including four in the women’s category. He was the referee when Juan Alberto Rosas pounded out a 12-round decision over Filipino Federico Catubay in Las Vegas last November. Mora’s inexperience in handling a bout between two veterans – Peñalosa is 37 and Morel, 34 – was evident last weekend.

McTavish said the loss shouldn’t be a reason for Peñalosa to retire despite his age.

Former WBC secretary-general Rudy Salud, who was once Peñalosa’s manager, left the decision to retire up to the fighter.

“My heart tells me he should stop before he gets seriously hurt,” said Salud. “But if you compare Gerry with Filipino contenders like Ciso Morales, he’s way ahead so why should he stop? He might be one small step slower but he’s still good enough to win big fights. When to quit is his decision.”

As for Peñalosa’s fight against Morel, Salud said he agreed with the decision although the four-point margin in Ford’s card was ludicrous.

“I thought Gerry lost a close fight,” said Salud. “Morel had the early lead and Gerry tried to catch up but it wasn’t enough. Gerry got in some good body shots and at one stage, Morel looked like he was going down. Gerry’s deficiency is his size. He’s short in height, reach and limbs. It’s like he has to take a shot before being able to give one back. His physical make-up is a disadvantage. He’s often shorter than his opponents and his reach is less. That’s how it was against Daniel Ponce de Leon, Juan Manuel Lopez and even In Joo Cho.”

Salud revealed that when Peñalosa was under his care, the fighter was given a $20,000 step aside fee for another contender to fight for the WBC superflyweight title and called out Morel as an interim opponent. That was about 10 years ago and Morel refused.

Peñalosa, whose cuts were stitched up in a hospital after the fight, was consoled by Manny Pacquiao’s remarks that he was robbed of a victory. Pacquiao said in his opinion, Peñalosa took at least seven rounds. But the word from Las Vegas was Peñalosa is close to making an announcement of his retirement.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Morel Says Penalosa Hurt Him, Pacquiao Claims Robbery

The new WBO interim-bantamweight champion Eric Morel is giving veteran Gerry Penalosa a lot of credit. Morel won a very close split decision over Penalosa on Saturday night at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Morel controlled most of the action in the first half of the fight. Penalosa began to break Morel down and took over the second half of the fight. Penalosa seemed to get fired up after suffering two head clashes in the sixth round that opened up bad cuts above both eyes.

Morel credits Penalosa's body work. He said Penalosa hurt him with several body shots. He thought Penalosa would get tired in the late rounds but instead it was Morel who got tired. He managed to survive by moving and boxing.

"I am a little exhausted, but we win. Penalosa is a veteran and he put a lot of pressure on me. I give him a lot of credit," Morel told El Nuevo Dia. "He hit me two or three times to the body and it really hurt me. But my lateral movement and my reach were the keys to my victory."

WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao was sitting ringside. He thought Penalosa was jobbed by the decision. He told several reporters at ringside -"Gerry won that fight. Gerry was the winner."

Source: Mark Vester  | BoxingScene.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

Montiel bludgeons Morales to the body in Round 1

Fernando Montiel retained his WBO bantamweight title with a crippling first round body-shot knockout over the up-and-coming Ciso Morales moments ago in Las Vegas.

In the first stoppage on the televised pay-per-view Montiel made quick work of his younger opponent when he dispatched him with a single left hook to the body in the opening stanza.

Morales went down in a world of pain and was subsequently counted out. The time was 2:06 of Round 1. With the win Morel improved to 40-2-2 (30 KOs) while the 22 year old Morales suffered his first pro defeat dropping to 14-1 (8 KOs).

Source: Ace Freeman  | FightFan.com

It's "Terrible" for Ciso Morales

Pinoy Power 3 weigh-in

Ciso Morales went down in the 1st Round of his fight with Mexican champion Fernando Montiel. Morales, who seemed dehydrated prior to the loss, took a punch right in the liver that put him down for the whole 10-second count.

A week before the fight, Morales had to loose 10 pounds just to make the weight. That now, is the x-factor that helpede Montiel to win the fight and retain his belt.




Note: Manny Pacquiao and the Manny Pacquiao Foundation will host a fund-raiser for the expenses of Z Gorres' medical recovery.

Source: Tarquin Tomada  | BalotSports.info

Eric Morel edges a bloody good Gerry Penalosa!

Morrel with controversial win

Former world champion Eric Morel captured the interim WBO bantamweight title with a twelve round spilt-decision over a relentless Gerry Penalosa moments ago on pay-per-view at the Las Vegas Hilton. At the opening bell Morel looked to stick and move while Penalosa took on the role of the aggressor.

The early edge went to the Puerto Rican as he appeared a bit more active but the veteran Penalosa was really sitting down on his punches when he was able to land them. The fighters appeared to trade rounds through the middle of the fight.

In Round 6 two accidental clashes of heads left Penalosa with two separate cuts which seemed to bring out a sense of urgency in him. Morel continued to box and move but Penalosa began to catch up with him a bit more often. With the bleeding clearly bothering him, the ‘Fearless’ Pinoy fighter continued to press the action as Morel looked to jab and retreat.

Penalosa used his pressure very effectively and continued walking Morel down through the championship rounds. Summoning an extra gear late in the fight Penalosa really ended the bout strong but found himself on the wrong end of a split decision.

Two judges had Morel ahead 116-112 and 115-113 while Penalosa was ahead 115-113 on the third and final card. FightFan.com had the bout scored 115-113 for Penalosa.

Source: Ace Freeman  | FightFan.com

Bernabe Concepcion eyes showdown with JuanMa

Concepcion challenges JuanMa

With a showdown with WBO Featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez said to be on the table for the winner, tonight’s showdown between 21-1 Mario Santiago and 27-3 Bernabe Concepcion was a crucial contest for each man. Lopez was ringside at the Hilton in Las Vegas to eye the fight and both men fought as if they had something to prove.

The early rounds were feel-out rounds as Santiago seemed to be the slicker fighter while Concepcion marched forward undeterred. Near the end of the second the Rizal fighter began to land effectively against Santiago, who playfully tapped his gloves with his foe at the end of the round as if to say ‘good work’.

Concepcion appeared to win the third as he was able to get on the inside against his taller opponent. In the fourth Santiago had his best moments as he mounted a small rally in the last minute of the round. Concepcion answered moments later, making sure not to let the momentum slip away.

Santiago had been warned in the early rounds for hitting below the belt and appeared to flirt with danger again in the fifth as he fired away with body shots as he had Concepcion pinned against the ropes. Concepcion dropped his hands and shook his head, questioning his foe’s tactics. Santiago finished with precise punching in the last ten seconds of the stanza, putting an exclamation point on his best round of the fight.

With his face started to get slightly busted up from Santiago’s jab, Concepcion applied more pressure in the sixth. He was effective, dropping Santiago moments later as the crowd erupted. Concepcion rocked Santiago again and continued to stalk the Ponce native. Despite appearing to be on shaky legs, Santiago regrouped and finished the round.

The seventh round saw Santiago attempted to turn the fight back into a boxing contest, but not without copping some clean and hard shots from the onrushing Concepcion. The action lulled for the first half of the eighth, but Concepcion again turned up the heat late in the round and began tagging Santiago with clean shots. Concepcion finished the round with a thudding right hand to the body and by this point the fight appeared to be slipping away from Santiago.
The ninth round was a solid one for Santiago, as he stayed out of harm’s way while appearing to land the cleaner shots. Still, it seemed as though he needed to do something serious in order to pull out the victory.

As the 10th and final round started the two fighters banged gloves in an obvious sign of competitive respect between them. Santiago came out guns blazing and Concepcion returned the fire accordingly. A right uppercut from Santiago rocked Concepcion badly as the two fought along the ropes and the Puerto Rican let everything out.

Concepcion banged on his gloves as the time ticked down and two fighters began talking to one another, egging each other on. Santiago closed the show in strong fashion, battering Concepcion in the corner, but when the bell sounded you had to wonder if it was too little, too late.
That was exactly the case as scores of 98-91, 97-92, and 96-93 were read in Concepcion’s favor. Concepcion landed 145 out of 387 punches for a 37% connect rate while Santiago was 149 out of 789, registering a 19% clip. Santiago may have been busier but Concepcion landed the more telling blows.

The bout was a nice fight, one that showed that aggression and determination can find a way to overcome pure ability. It will be interesting to see how Concepcion does if he ever meets Lopez and judging by tonight’s effort he surely will make his presence felt.

Source: Chris Robinson  | Examiner.com

Melligen wins by KO

Mark Melligen of Philippines

The Hilton Hotel is starting to fill up with rabid fans for tonight's Pinoy Power 3/Latin Fury 13 card and the undercard has been rolling along.

In a battle of southpaws, Bacolod City’s Mark Melligen overcame a sluggish early start to eventually stop previously undefeated Raymond Gatica in the sixth. It was a victory that showcased Melligen’s patience as well as his power.

In the early rounds the contest was give and take as Gatica used his apparent height and reach advantagea to have success despite Melligen’s persistence. Despite the contest being tit for tat, Melligen swept the first three rounds on the judges’ cards.

In the fourth Melligen began to take over the contest, landing his left hand much more frequently. The 23-year old scored a knockdown in the fifth round of a crushing left hand and Gatica looked to be in trouble. A follow up knockdown one round later signaled the end as referee Kenny Bayless waived the contest off at 2:36 of the round.

With the win Melligen moves to 17-2 with 13 knockouts. Melligen was coming off of a split decision loss to Michael Rosales this past November in Las Vegas on the eve of Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Miguel Cotto. The Welterweight hopeful should be having a busy 2010 campaign and tonight was certainly a good start.

Source: Chris Robinson  | Examiner.com

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