Q&A with IBF-IBO World Flyweight Champ Nonito Donaire

published at boxing capital dot com
link

Donaire, of Filipino descent and now based in the States made waves last year when winning both of the aforementioned titles. His win over the fancied Vic Darchinyan (W TKO 5 – July 2007) was impressive enough to be bestowed with honours by Ring Magazine, such as ‘Knockout of the Year’ and ‘Upset of the Year’.

Nicknamed ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire is currently 19-1 (12 KO’s) and has made one defence since his stunning title winning victory – beating Mexican Luis Maldonado in an eighth round stoppage in December 2007.

Next up for Donaire is a title defence against South African, Moruti Mthalane, a challenger that brings a 22-1 (15 KO’s) record to the ring, in a fight taking place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.

BOXING CAPITAL: You haven't fought since December last year. Can you tell us the story behind this long inactivity?

Nonito Donaire: To make a long overdrawn story short, I was scheduled to fight in Dubai in April but due to financial reasons the promoter couldn't put it together. In addition, Gary Shaw, my promoter then was not able to provide the 4 fights in a year as stipulated by contract. So after giving him ample time to schedule me a fight, I decided to move my career forward with a new promoter - Top Rank.

BC: You are 25 right now. Can you say you are at peak?

ND: I feel that I am a lot stronger than before but only near my peak. It's just a matter of time until I get to my full potential.

BC: How are preparations going for the Mthalane fight?

ND: Great. I have had great sparring and have been running consistently. I'm mentally and physically prepared for this fight. I'm ready.

BC: While the papers are saying that Mthalane is a "worthy challenger," his record is not impressive at all. There are no notable names in his resume aside perhaps for Hussein who has fought only one fighter of top caliber in his entire career (that fighter was Arce who KO’d him twice). What are your thoughts about this?

ND: I didn't have any notable names in my record before I fought Vic Darchinyan. All I know is that he's gonna give it all he has because he has nothing to lose. I never underestimate anyone.

BC: Reports say that Mthalane has good hand speed, footwork and jabs. It seems he can also take big punches. How do you plan to fight him?

ND: I feel right now I am the strongest in the 112 division (flyweight). And as long as I can land my punch, I know I can take him out.

BC: Any predictions about your fight against the South African?

ND: I always try to go for an early knockout.

BC: Reports have it that you're planning to move up in weight after this fight. Assuming you beat Mthalane, who would you like to fight next at 115 (Super Flyweight)?

ND: There's a lot of big names in the 115. We have Arce, Mijares, Montiel.

BC: Your thoughts about the Mijares-Darchinyan bout?

ND: Mijares is too smart for Darchinyan.

BC: A boxing site has quoted Darchinyan into saying "when I knock out Mijares, line-up Donaire next. I owe him one." Any comments about this?

ND: I'll fight anybody but that really depends on my promoter. A fight with Darchinyan if he beats Mijares would be fun.

BC: We all know that you lost your Olympic stint to a Fellow Filipino-American, Brian Viloria, who is also an active fighter at the moment. Is there any chance you would share the same ring with Viloria once more?

ND: There's a possibility of that happening because we are under the same promoter, but really there is nothing I can gain from that fight at this time.

BC: Your take on the coming dream fight between Oscar De La Hoya and fellow Filipino, Manny Pacquiao?

ND: Manny Pacquiao! I have to admit that De La Hoya has the height and weight advantage but Pacquiao certainly has the speed advantage and however strong your opponent is, if he can't land that punch it's nothing. Besides, Pacquiao believes in himself 100% and that kind of determination wins fights.

BC: What do you want to say in closing for your fans?

ND: I want to thank all my fans for their continued support. Look forward to Nov 1 when I put it all in the ring. Mabuhay!