Wednesday, October 01, 2008 Donaire wants title in another class
INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire could be fighting his last war as a flyweight on Nov. 1 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino against South African warrior Moruti Mthalane as he plans to follow Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s feat of winning several crowns in various weight categories.
The 25-year-old Donaire said he will not remain in his current weight class, in which he holds two belts, for long because his main goal in his professional boxing career is to win numerous goals in different divisions.
“Move up and win as many titles in different weight classes as I can. 130 pounds may be possible. This may be my last fight at flyweight,” Donaire hinted at secondsout.com.
Donaire who plans to move up would like to clash with the Mexican brawler Jorge “Travieso” Arce, who is currently a super flyweight, before the latter gets older and gets washed up.
“In my timeline, it would be Arce. He still has it. I want to beat him before he gets past his peak. I don’t want people to think that I beat an old fighter.
Mijares, Montiel and Arce are great fighters, who I have a lot of respect for,” said the Filipino champion.
Donaire and Arce, who will be up against Mthlane and Isidro Garcia respectively, will be fighting on the same card on Nov. 1 along with the rematch of Julio Cesar Chavez and Matt Vanda.
Meanwhile, Donaire is serious in his title defense against the South African, whom he believes, is fully prepared for a slugfest.
“He’s in the fight, always ready. He is always coming in and throwing a lot of punches. He’s there to fight. I’ve seen a few fights of his and he doesn’t mind getting hit. I’m not taking him lightly,” he said.
Donaire, who was recently signed by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions, will be returning to the ring following nearly a year of layoff after having trouble will his former promoter Gary Shaw. (EKA)
