FOR DUBAI TITLE DEFENSE: DONAIRE TO TRAIN IN THE US, NOT CEBU
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 08 Feb 2008
Reigning IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. will train in the United States for his forthcoming title defense against Australian Hussein "Hussy" Hussein and not at Cebu's world-renowned ALA Boxing Gym as initially scheduled.
"After a thorough discussion with my team, we decided that I will train for the Hussein fight in the US," said Donaire, who did not elaborate further on the reason of their sudden change of plan.
Donaire (19-1, 12KOs) will go up against Hussein (31-4, 24KOs) in the main event of the blockbuster April 4 card by Third Force Promotions of Noil Eala in Dubai. It is the first ever major boxing promotion in the oil-rich arab emirate.
Cebuano sportsman Jonathan "Atan" L. Guardo, Donaire's benefactor, said he is always supportive of whatever move Team Donaire may take though it could have been another honor for the Cebuanos had the youthful champion opted to train anew here.
"I always respect what the decision of Donaire is. He's an intelligent person and he knows what is best for him. I'm just here to lend whatever support I can extend to him," said Guardo.
The 25-year-old Donaire, a tried and tested technically sound fighter, has a six-fight contract with Guardo's Uniherb Philippines as official endorser of the popular food supplement Arthro Kontra Arthritis.
Donaire said he will immediately leave for the US after the 2008 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night on February 16 at the SM Mall of Asia where he is among the top awardees alongside ring superstar Manny Pacquiao, swimmer Miguel Molina, billiards artist Ronnie Alcano, golfer Frankie Minoza, and chess Grandmaster Wesley So.
Donaire is expecting to a tough encounter against Hussein, whom he described as a "world-class, top caliber fighter."
"He's a very dangerous opponent. He's experienced and had been through a lot of fights. He's a world-class, top caliber fighter," said Donaire. "But as long as I'm focused with my training, I know I'm hard to beat. I look forwad to a great fight with Hussein."
This will be Donaire's second defense of the twin IBF belts he snatched by dethroning the previously unbeaten Australian knockout artist Vic "The Raging Bull" Darchinyan via a spectacular fifth round stoppaged on July 7, 2007 in Connecticut.
In his first defense, Donaire had a great training camp at the ALA Gym and went on to demolish Mexican Luis Maldonado in round eight of a one-sided battle on December 2 last year also in Connecticut.
Regarding the recent bout between Darchinyan and Cebuano Z "The Dream" Gorres that ended in a controversial split draw last Saturday at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Donaire said it could have gone either way.
"Honestly, I had Darchinyan winning in my scorecard," said Donaire who was at the ringside cheering for Gorres. "But had Darchinyan did not resort to dirty tricks, Gorres could have won the fight."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel B. Villaruel.
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