DONAIRE WANTS MONTIEL
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 09 Dec 2009
WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (22-1, 14 KO’s) wants current bantamweight champion Fernando ”Cochulito” Montiel (39-2-2, 29 KO’s), the reigning WBO bantamweight interim champion.
Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler informed us that Montiel had “not agreed to fight (Michael) Domingo” the Filipino bantamweight who was chosen as a replacement for Z “The Dream” Gorres whose career ended tragically after he underwent brain surgery following his rousing ten round decision over Luis Melendez of Colombia at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues last November 13.
In a conversation with www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, Donaire who has been in training for his planned February 13 bout against Gerson Guerrero (34-8, 26 KO’s) said he had agreed to fight Guerrero “but if that’s open I would rather fight Montiel. I want to fight Montiel for the WBO belt. I would love to do that.”
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said he was “trying to get a hold of the Mexicans to get Montiel to fight Domingo and I think that’ll be okay.” At the same time Arum said Donaire hadn’t told them he would like to fight Montiel.
Meantime, Donaire said “training has been really good and I’m ready and feel good about it” no matter who he faces. Donaire added “I’m here for a fight and just waiting for them (Top Rank).”
Donaire said he’s in good condition and that in his workout on Tuesday (Manila Time) he went eight rounds on the punch mitts, two rounds shadow boxing and two rounds on the heavy bag and I felt really good but I wasn’t really going all out.”.
He said Jonathan Penalosa is expected to join his training camp after the Christmas holidays as he steps up training for the “Pinoy Power III” fight card at the Las Vegas Hilton on February 13 which will be telecast “live” by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN following the signing of a two-year deal between the network Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum last Friday.
During the signing ceremony, ABS-CBN presented Arum with a big cake to mark his 78th birthday which is today, December 8 and put on a short but star-studded show headlined by Martin Nievera which touched the visiting promoter who promised to provide Filipino fight fans through ABS-CBN with the best in boxing shows because he said any country that produces a Manny Pacquiao deserves nothing less.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026