Weights from Manhattan Beach: Nonito Donaire: 121.4 lbs., Jeffrey Mathebula 121.8 lbs.
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 07 Jul 2012
Manhattan Beach, CA - This Saturday's main combatants stepped in the scales today on the day before they face each other at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
After a brief physical examination conducted on the two fighters by a physician, WBO super bantamweight champ Nonito Donaire Jr.of the Philippines weighed in at 121.4 lbs while fellow champ and IBF belt holder Jeffrey of South Africa came in at 121.8 lbs.
Donaire expressed that this will be the hardest challenge of his career so far owing to Mathebula's big advantage in height. Mathebula enjoys at least a five inch height advantage over the Filipino fighter. Mathebula stands at 5'10 while Donaire is 5'5 1/2 in height.
"Ito yung pinaka biggest challenge ko kasi hindi ko pa na-try ito eh." (This is my biggest challenge, because I have not tried this.) said Donaire as he was interviewed by the Philippine media. He admitted that this will be his first time where he will be looking up at an opponent in the ring.
"Ang tangkad naman nito. ( This guy is tall) Sabi ko sa sarili ko, in my head. This is the only time I am going to look up." he jokingly added
Donaire expressed that Mathebula and his height advantage poised a big challenge tomorrow but that he and his team had devised a plan to negate his opponent's advantage.
"Gusto ko yung challenge. Tinitingnan ko itong laban na ito na malaking challenge. ( I want the challenge. I look at this fight as a big challenge.)
The unification fight between the two super bantamweight champions will be the main event of HBO's Boxing After Dark Series tomorrow night.
Top photo: Donaire enters the weighin area.
Mathebula steps into the scales.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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