FILIPINO DONAIRE VERSUS MEXICAN MALDONADO
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 22 Nov 2007
AFFIRMATION. Confirmation. Statement. Call it whatever you want.
Nonito Donaire, Jr. will make that and more in his title defense opposite Luis Maldonado of Mexico on Dec. 2 (Manila time) at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
"I want to make a statement in this fight," said Donaire, fighting for the first time since claiming the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight titles at the expense of former champ Vic Darchinyan last July 7.
The fight that will be aired live by Solar Sports and GMA-7 is dubbed "Affirmation," underlining Donaire's desire to prove his worth on the big stage.
"Some say 'you're not a champion until you defend your crown.' I'm going to do that against Maldonado," said Donaire.
He's confident and he's in top form.
"I feel really, really great. I'm now 100-percent ready to rumble," he said before wrapping up his training in Cebu.
Donaire has been sparring in Cebu against RP champs Rocky Fuentes and Michael Domingo, as well as Louie Bantigue and Weng Haya.
"I've had the best sparring available. I've had the best training facilities at the ALA Gym. Expect only the best when I perform," said Donaire.
His father-trainer, Nonito, Sr., thinks so.
"His jab and hooks have been causing me problems and muscle pains," the elder Donaire said.
Donaire, who will wear the Arthro trunks on his fight, will depart for San Francisco on Saturday night and on to Connecticut on Monday.(
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