Donaire wants to be Asia's 1st undisputed champ
source: ABS CBN News
MANILA, Philippines — Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. wants to set a Filipino record in boxing just like his idol, 8-division champion Manny Pacquiao.
Donaire, who is challenging Mexico’s Fernando Montiel for the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight titles, wants to earn the distinction of being the first Asian to become an undisputed champion.
MANILA, Philippines — Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. wants to set a Filipino record in boxing just like his idol, 8-division champion Manny Pacquiao.
Donaire, who is challenging Mexico’s Fernando Montiel for the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight titles, wants to earn the distinction of being the first Asian to become an undisputed champion.
"Why not? After Montiel, that's two belts. There's a couple more to go," Donaire said in BoxingFanhouse.com.
"My goal from the very beginning of my career was to become undisputed champion -- the first one from Asia," he added.
If he wins against Montiel this February 19 (Feb. 20, in Manila), Donaire said he will go after the winner between International Boxing Association (IBO) and WBC silver belt king Abner Mares of the US and Africa's Joseph Agbeko.
He may also go after World Boxing Association’s (WBA) bantamweight Anselmo Moreno of Panama, who has a title defense against Lorenzo Parra of Venezuela.
These makes the Montiel bout even more important.
Ticket to superstardom
Donaire said the Montiel fight is the chance he’s been waiting to prove that he is among the world’s best.
"My name will get bigger, and, you know, every fighter will probably try to go after me," he said.
"When you're on top, that's what usually comes out of it," added Donaire. "A win should really stamp my name as a pound-for-pound top 10 guy. No one can get away from me after Montiel."
Donaire will clash with Montiel at the Mandalay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
His promoter, Top Rank’s Bob Arum, said that Donaire has a potential to become a big star in boxing especially after his 4th-round demolition of former world champion Vladimir Sidorenko.
The Filipino Flash now has a 25-1 record, with 17 of his bouts won via knockout (KO).
On the other hand, Montiel holds a 44-2-2 professional record. He has been undefeated since 2007.
Pacman an 'inspiration'
Donaire said the 8-division champion Pacquiao serves as his inspiration.
Pacquiao is the only boxer in the world to win 8 world titles in as many weight divisions.
"I plan to do that. After that, I trust in my promoter's decision and my manager, Cameron Dunkin, to lead me in the right path," Donaire said.
The interim World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight titlist specified that he is interested to move up at 130 or even more.
"I'm inspired to seek the possibilities... If it brings me to 135, that's the inspiration that I've gotten from Manny Pacquiao," he said.
"That keeps me moving and determined and motivated and hungry.... I want to learn and to get better and fight better opposition. I want to see where I can go in my career and to go as high as I can," Donaire added.
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