Thursday, November 29, 2007 Donaire: I still have a lot to prove
DESPITE holding two belts, International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire feels he still has a lot to prove in boxing.
“People call me a one-hit wonder. But I will continue to fight to build my name and prove myself,” Donaire said in a report posted at Philboxing.com.
Donaire attended the press conference at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut for his first title defense against Luis Maldonado on Dec. 2 (RP time).
“I am going to do what I have to do to take him out, no matter what he comes at me with. This will be a great fight. This fight will validate me as a world champion and will show people I am here to stay,” Donaire said.
Donaire, who trained in Cebu to prepare for the defense, got his belts after knocking out the then undefeated Vic Darchinyan with one punch in the fifth round last July. Despite the tough win, he is being touted as a one-hit wonder.
“Maldonado is a good fighter and not one to look past. But I am stronger, faster and smarter. After my win over Darchinyan, I am more confident. My arsenal is a lot stronger than Maldonado’s,” said Donaire
Maldonado earned his title shot for the IBF/IBO flyweight belts after a unanimous decision victory over Sergio Espinosa last Oct 5 in Corona, California.
The challenger also had two major fights last year; a draw with Cristian Mijares in their WBC flyweight eliminator in Feb and the other was an eighth round knockout loss to former IBF/IBO flyweight champion Darchinyan last June 2006. Darchinyan handed Maldonado the first knockout loss of his career.
Maldonado is coming in with a record of 37-1-1with 28 KOs and the Filipino Flash has an 18-1-1 mark with 11 KOs. (EKA)
