MANILA, PHILIPPINES
A win by Nonito Donaire over Nordine Oubaali will make the 38-year-old Filipino fighter the oldest 118-pound champion ever
Both Nonito Donaire and Nordine Oubaali have visions of becoming the unified world bantamweight champion.
After their encounter for Oubaali’s World Boxing Council crown on Saturday, May 29 (Sunday, May 30, Philippine time) at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, only the winner will pursue the dream as the loser will find out it’s only an illusion.
Donaire, dubbed the “Filipino Flash,” is confident he’ll beat Oubaali and add new chapters to his sure Hall of Fame career highlighted by four-division world titles, eight world championships, one Fighter of the Year (2012), and two Knockouts of the Year (2007 and 2011).
If the 38-year-old Donaire chalks his 47th win against 6 losses, he’ll become the oldest 118-pound champion ever and will only be the 11th boxer to reign in three decades.
Oubaali holds a 17-0 slate with 12 knockouts but has no significant opponent nor achievement in his resume.
No wonder, the 34-year-old Oubaali is eager to tangle with Donaire and bolster his claim to be the best in the division that also includes World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation champion Naoya Inoue, World Boxing Organization king Johnriel Casimero, and Guillermo Rigondeaux.
“Yes, he’s had an outstanding career and he has power but I believe I have more power than him,” Oubaali said during the final press conference on Thursday.
“I know I have the power. He’s a good boxer but I’m the world champion and on Saturday I’m going to show the world who is the best. I know I am the best. I respect Nonito. He’s had a good career but I’m the best in the division.”
According to Donaire, the 18-month ring layoff since he dropped a unanimous decision to Inoue actually helped his battle-ravaged body to recover. It also made him hungrier for more recognition.
During the long break, Donaire altered his diet, trained better, and changed his mindset when sparring. Donaire claimed his killer instinct is back and won’t hold back when he sees the opportunity to knock the smaller Oubaali out.
At 5-foot 6, Donaire is nearly 3 inches taller and 1 1/2 inches longer than Oubaali.
Proving they really worked hard to get into optimum form, Donaire and Oubaali both checked in at 117.6 pounds during Friday’s official weigh-in.
Bettors have installed Oubaali a -250 favorite and Donaire a +240 underdog. Meaning a $250 bet on Oubaali earns $100 while a $100 wager on Donaire nets $240.
Boxing pundits, however, are divided on their choices between the stronger, more experienced Donaire or the younger, fresher Oubaali. – Rappler.com
