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.(
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
COE AND HART CLASH ON BOOTS ENNIS CARD IN PHILADELPHIA
Thu, 21 Aug 2025‘There's nothing that he brings to the table that I've not got an answer for’ Sam Rennie on upcoming fight at Thunderdome 51
Thu, 21 Aug 2025JAMAINE "THE TECHNICIAN" ORTIZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 21 Aug 2025Gervonta Davis vs. Jake Paul: Exhibition Bout Announced for November
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 21 Aug 2025Legendary boxing coach John Brown Compares cornering Tommy Morrison & Rising young star Marco Romero
Thu, 21 Aug 2025World Kid to Host Meet-and-Greet and Open Workouts In advance of “The Return” on August 31 in Detroit
Thu, 21 Aug 2025Assassin’s Creed: Brian Norman Jr. Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension with Top Rank
Thu, 21 Aug 2025Five Philippine FIDE Masters are scheduled to arrive in Roxas City
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 Aug 2025Boxing Promotional Powerhouse Top Rank Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday, September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 21 Aug 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 12: MUHAMMAD ALI LOSSES THEN WINS AGAINST KEN NORTON
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 20 Aug 2025Pasig and Quezon City top 1st PCAP Rated Open championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 Aug 2025Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Full Fight Card Revealed
Wed, 20 Aug 2025Sadam Ali's career highlight: Defeating Terence Crawford to become 2008 U.S. Olympian
Wed, 20 Aug 2025Irish amateur star Jim Donovan to make pro debut on Sept. 13th Outdoors at Windsor Park in Belfast
Wed, 20 Aug 2025Boxer and Philanthropist Boyd Melson Awarded Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden
Wed, 20 Aug 2025