Donaire eyes title fight, Nietes defense set July 4
Fresh from his dominating victory against William Prado in Pinoy Pride 30, Nonito Donaire Jr. already has his sights set on a title fight.
Donaire Jr. (34-3, 22 KOs) showed his true form against Prado, punishing the Brazilian boxer in just two rounds to win the World Boxing Council-North America Boxing Federation super bantamweight belt on Saturday (March 28) at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“I think it’s definitely a statement on where Nonito Donaire is at. If I had trouble with him, I wasn’t at that level. You guys could see the difference in talent,” Donaire said after his conquest.
“But with my power and everything that I have, I did feel that I was above that level,” he states. “We got to see where I’m at in terms of my ability, and I feel like I’m still at that elite level. I can still compete with guys like (Guillermo) Rigondeaux and (Leo) Santa Cruz.”
With the impressive comeback, the five-division world champion says he wants to keep going and is hoping for a title shot before the year ends.
“Hopefully, I’ll get a chance against whoever,” said Donaire.
One fight worth pursuing is a rematch with Rigondeaux. Donaire had already fought Rigondeaux in 2013 but lost via unanimous decision.
“Anytime. If Rigondeaux allows it, we’re ready”, said his father and coach.
Nietes (35-1-4, 21 KOs) unleashed a right straight to send the Mexican down in the ninth round to retain his WBO junior flyweight crown.
According to ALA Promotions president and CEO Michael Aldeguer, Nietes will be defending the same title again opposite unified strawweight champion Francisco Rodriguez on July 4 in Cebu City.
If Nietes wins over Rodriguez in that match, he will move up to 112 lbs. to challenge WBA-WBO king Juan Francisco Estrada.
Praise from the PalaceAfter emerging victorious in their respective bouts, Donaire Jr. and Nietes were commended by Malacañan.
“The Filipino people take pride once more with the remarkable victory of Nonito Donaire Jr. against Brazilian boxer William Prado and with the win of Donnie Nietes in defending his World Boxing Organization junior flyweight championship,” said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
“So we’d like to congratulate our Filipino boxers who have done so remarkably well and showed the resiliency and athleticism of our Filipino athletes. It goes along the way of showing that we are of world-class quality.”
