Doing the impossible is getting to be a habit for IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire.
Last July, he made boxing experts eat their words by scoring a stunning one-punch knockout over heavily-favored Vic Darchinyan to wrest the world title. And yesterday, Donaire silenced his doubters by easily making the weight for his first championship defense against Mexican challenger Luis Maldonado at the Foxwoods Casino Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Donaire, 25, tipped the scales at 111 pounds, one below the limit, and capped a weight reduction program from 140 two months ago. Maldonado also weighed in at 111 for the 12-round bout to be shown via satellite on GMA-7 and Solar Sports and on jumbo screens during the ?Payback? card, featuring Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista at the Araneta Coliseum this morning.
?I proved everyone, who doubted me about making the weight, wrong,? Donaire told The STAR after the weigh-in. ?I?m ready and excited for the match. I know with my family and my camp?s endless love and support, I can achieve anything.?
Donaire feasted on bananas, prime rib, vegetables and pasta to celebrate his victory at the scales. But he was careful not to bloat as a few hours before the fight, he will be required to weigh in once more with the rule allowing only a maximum of five pounds over the limit.
Donaire never doubted making the weight. ?I know my body,? said the General Santos City-born fighter known as the Flash. ?It?s all about discipline and hard work. If you put your mind on something, you can do anything.?
Donaire began his pro career in the 115-pound ranks but dropped down to flyweight for the chance to take on Darchinyan who had once beaten his older brother Glenn.
Now, Maldonado is in his way as Donaire looks ahead for bigger game. The rugged Mexican is no slouch and will be a tough test for the champion. Maldonado is a wily veteran with a 37-1-1 record, including 28 KOs. He once held WBC superflyweight titlist Cristian Mijares to a majority draw. Maldonado, 29, has waited years for the chance to win a world crown and is expected to put up a strong challenge.
But Donaire said he?s ready to rumble. ?I respect Maldonado?s experience but I?m confident,? he went on. ?Maldonado?s got a lot of heart and he?s a tough guy. I know I?m stronger, quicker and smarter. There?s no way I?ll let my countrymen down. I?m going for an early knockout.?
Donaire is dedicating the fight ? dubbed ?Affirmation? ? to his ailing grandfather Francisco Gonzales who lives in Bohol. It was Gonzales, now 95, who opened Donaire?s eyes to boxing at an early age.
Donaire flew in from his San Leandro, California, home with his father Nonito, Sr. to train at the ALA Gym in Cebu last Oct. 22 without knowing he would fight Maldonado. US promoter Gary Shaw later informed him of the title defense. Donaire sparred over 60 rounds to prepare for Maldonado, more than he logged in training for Darchinyan.
?I went to Cebu to get in shape for any eventuality,? said Donaire who has an 18-1 record, with 11 KOs. ?I was 133 when I arrived. I knew I would get quality training and sparring at the ALA Gym, better than what I could get in the US. I?m grateful to Mr. (Tony) Aldeguer for the opportunity to train in his facility. I hope to train in Cebu for every fight from now on.?
In Donaire?s corner for the Maldonado bout will be his father, assistant Arvin Jugarap and cutman Gary Cagaanan. Carrying the Philippine flag in Donaire?s entourage will be his brother Lucky and holding his belt will be Derek Cagaanan. At ringside will be his mother Imelda, sister Rochelle and girlfriend Rachel Marcial, a Fil-Am taekwondo champion.
