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Donaire offers to unify title for less pay
Written by staff   
Saturday, 24 January 2009 04:21

IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. is in the thick of training in Baguio City but it’s still not certain whom he’s fighting at the Araneta Coliseum on March 15.

Initially, Donaire was to relinquish his throne and challenge WBO superflyweight titlist Fernando Montiel. But that option was scuttled when Montiel announced he would move up to face Eric Morel for the interim WBO bantamweight crown.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum then named Jose (Carita) Lopez of Puerto Rico as Donaire’s opponent for the title vacated by Montiel. When Lopez couldn’t be available, Arum suggested for Donaire to defend his IBF crown against former WBC lightflyweight champion Eric Ortiz of Mexico.

“I mean no disrespect for Ortiz but he’s been beaten by Brian (Viloria) and Z Gorres,” said Donaire. “I had difficulty making 112 for my last fight but if I have to drop down, I will. I’m a disciplined fighter and I know I can make the weight. If I’m fighting at flyweight, I’d rather face a champion in a unification showdown. I wouldn’t mind taking on any of the other flyweight champions.”

Donaire said he will appeal to Arum, through his manager Cameron Dunkin, to arrange the unification fight against the WBC’s Daisuke Naito of Japan or the WBA’s Denkaosan Kaowichit of Thailand or the WBO’s Omar Narvaez of Argentina. At the moment, only Narvaez has a scheduled bout, a Feb. 7 defense against Rayonta Whitfield.

“I hope the fans and media back me up on this,” said Donaire. “My only intention is to give the Filipino fans a treat even if I have to give up part of my purse to get it done. I’ve spoken with Solar and (chief operating officer) Mr. (Peter) Chanliong mentioned the network is willing to spend a little more for a unification fight. It’s all up to Bob to make it happen.”

Donaire, 25, weighed 124 pounds after sparring four rounds at the Shape-Up boxing gym in the Cooyesan Plaza Hotel on Naguilian Road the other day.

“I’ve been training like crazy with Gerry (Peñalosa) since opening camp in Baguio last week,” said Donaire. “The weather is like in San Leandro (California), cool early in the morning and late at night. I wake up 5:30 every morning for a run at the track oval or up and down the hills, depending on what the program is in the afternoon. I run for about an hour in the morning and work out in the gym from 2 to 4 or 5 p.m.”

The uncertainty of not knowing his opponent isn’t a distraction in training but Donaire said he’d like to find out as soon as possible for scouting purposes.

“My training has been hectic,” he said. “I’m learning a lot from Gerry and his brothers. I haven’t worked harder in the gym. Gerry has given me a whole new outlook. I’m incorporating his style into my own. I’ll still be aggressive but I’m adding his style of being tactical. Gerry has taught me to throw a lot more jabs. Now, my jab is turning out to be my new deadly weapon.”

Donaire said studying his opponent’s style is an integral part of the run-up to the fight. “Without knowing who my opponent is for sure, I’m in the dark,” he said. “It’s not affecting my training regimen but I’d like to know whom I’m fighting and at what weight.”

Donaire said he opted to train at Cooyesan instead of the ABAP gym in Teachers Village to avoid confusing the amateur fighters.

“We appreciate Mr. (Manny) Pangilinan’s offer for us to use the ABAP facilities but we decided to train at Cooyesan in the end,” he said. “If the amateurs watch us train, it could derail their process of learning. You can’t mix the pro and amateur styles. Besides, we’re staying at Cooyesan so the facility is convenient. It’s a private gym and not too many people come around. We’re doing a closed-door camp. Some people watch us through a window. We could actually close the gym if we want to. So far, the training has gone smooth sailing.”

Peñalosa is also unsure of whom he’s fighting next. He’s awaiting WBO approval to face Mexico’s German Meraz in a non-title bout in Mandaue on Feb. 21. Peñalosa is also lined up to challenge WBO superbantamweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez in New York City on April 4 or 24.

“Gerry and I are preparing for whatever eventuality,” said Donaire. “When the fights are finally confirmed, we’ll be ready.”

What’s certain is Arum and Solar will co-promote a Big Dome card on March 15 with Donaire seeing action and Viloria challenging IBF lightflyweight champion Ulises Solis of Mexico in a double championship main event.
 
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