CEBU, Philippines – Saying that he draws extra strength and inspiration from them, five-division world champion Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire has assured his legion of fans that they will see a completely different Nonito when he defends his WBO super bantamweight belt against Hungarian challenger Zsolt “Mr. Left Hook” Bedak in the main attraction of “The Time Has Come” mega boxing event on Saturday night at the Cebu City Sports Center.
“I’m truly motivated in this fight because of the support of the whole country,” said Donaire during the final news conference of the hotly-anticipated show yesterday at the Caspian room of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino. “If feel the warmth, I feel the love of the Cebuanos. The fans have been very supportive to me all these years. They really are my inspiration, and they give me extra energy when I’m inside the ring. Now, I want to pay them back.”
Speaking a little bit emotional, Donaire said he had been through a lot of trials and tribulations throughout his career, but his faith and strong belief in himself keeps him going.
“It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. But I keep the faith. It leads me to be where I want to be,” said Donaire, now touted as the standard-bearer of Philippine boxing following the retirement of the great Manny Pacquiao.
Donaire gamely admitted that his career came tumbling down after he suffered a devastating sixth round knockout loss to Jamaican star Nicolas Walters that cost him his WBA featherweight crown two years ago.
But after that breaking point of his life, Donaire came to a realization that help transform him not only as a better fighter but also as a better person. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
“I’ve been through fear.. I’ve been through hardships.. I’ve been through defeat.. I’ve been through everything. But all of these experiences help me become a better person. And come the fight night, you will all see a completely different fighter in me,” said Donaire.
Donaire emphasized though that being a different fighter he is now today doesn’t mean that he is looking past Bedak, whom he has nothing but words of respect and admiration.
“Bedak is an amazing fighter, and I have a lot of respect for him. He’s an accomplished Olympian. We wouldn’t want to get past any of that. I have a tough guy in front of me,” said Donaire. “But I’m prepared. We are going into account that I’m 100 percent ready and the confidence within me going into the match.”
Donaire gave his father/trainer Nonito Sr. full credit to his spectacular resurgence to boxing stardom.
“I dedicate this fight to my father. He’s always been there for me. I thought I’ve never given him much respect that is why I will give him this moment,” said a teary-eyed Donaire.
As usual, Donaire was hesitant to predict a knockout saying that what is best for him at this point is to follow their game plan to the letter.
“In every fight I take, we always have a game plan to follow. And I’m going to use every ounce of speed, power and stamina I gained from my training. But you know me, I’m a warrior. If ever I’ll find an opening, I wouldn’t hesitate to go for a knockout,” said Donaire.
Bedak has the same thing to say as he heads to what is by far his toughest battle.
“I expect a tough and good fight. We’re prepared to go for 12 rounds. I am not expecting a knockout, but it will come if opportunity presents itself,” said the Hungarian former Olympic champion. (FREEMAN)
