DONAIRE TRAINING HARD AT TOP RANK GYM
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 03 Sep 2008
IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr is currently training at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas to prepare for his November 1 title defense against South African Moruti "Babyface" Mthalane at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
In a long-distance interview yesterday, Donaire's father/trainer Nonito Sr. informed that his son will soon start sparring against fighters that manager Cameron Dunkin will fly in to help him prepare for the fight.
"Junjun (Donaire Jr) is going to spar soon. Cameron will be sending some fighters," said Donaire Sr.
The Arthro Kontra Arthritis-backed Donaire will be making the second defense of his IBF title against mandatory challenger Mthalane following his initial defense against Mexican Luis Maldonado last December.
The father-and-son tandem was originally slated to fly to Cebu to train at the ALA Gym for an October title defense in Macau, but decided to train in the US when the fight was moved to November 1 in California.
"We've already seen some of the tapes of Mthalane. He's a very tough kid. He always comes to fight. We're not taking him lightly," added Donaire Sr in an interview yesterday.
Donaire (19-1, 12 KO's) versus Mthalane (22-1, 15 KO's) will be in the undercard of the huge bout featuring the WBA/IBF welterweight showdown between Antonio Margarito against Joshua Clottey. Margarito is coming off a big win over Miguel Cotto.
Also set to see action in the card are Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Vanes Martirosyan, two of Top Rank's bigger fighters.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 08 May 2025SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025