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 .
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chaos in Liverpool: Figueroa Silences Echo Arena with 12th-Round Fireworks
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Gabriel Santisima Stuns Unbeaten World Ranked and WBO Asia Pacific Champion Subaru Murata to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Sun, 08 Feb 2026Lucky "Batang Quiapo" Salvador defeats Rhaky "Roj" Constantino
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026“Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
Thu, 05 Feb 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Feb 2026