In part two of this two part exclusive interview, IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire catches up with the FightFans and looks ahead to 2008. Check out what the ‘Filipino Flash’ had to say about his KO win over Luis Maldonado and more, only on FightFan.com!
FF: We wanted to ask you a bit about your last fight, a sensational stoppage win over Luis Maldonado. Was it a tough fight for you in that there was a lot of expectation on you to follow up on the Darchinyan fight with another big win?
ND: Yeah, you know in that fight there was a lot of pressure on my shoulders because I didn?t want to lose any support from the fans I?d gained. There was some pressure because I wanted to let the people know that I was no fluke; that I am here to stay. I really wanted to show everyone that I am a world champion. There was a lot of expectation, but he wasn?t as tough as some people had told me.
He was a lot slower than I thought he?d be. He was a tough guy though; I have to give him credit for that. A lot of those punches I threw he just walked through them and shook them off. He landed a few punches on me that woke me up and kept me sharp, but all in all it wasn?t as tough a fight as I thought it would be.
FF: We were anxiously watching to see how you would follow up on the Darchinyan fight and I was quite impressed with your performance. You seemed to fight a very defensively sound fight but at the same time were able to lead with offence out of a defensive stance. Do you feel more comfortable leading or do you prefer to sit back a bit and counter punch?
ND: Well it depends, I can lead or I can counter punch. In the Darchinyan fight I was counter punching because that?s what his style called for. I?m the type of fighter who can change up my style to fight to my opponent?s style. With Maldonado there were times when I hurt him and I was able to follow up and felt very comfortable going after him. I can lead, I can brawl, I can box; I?m a versatile fighter. I?m also working on my legs and my footwork and that?s something I want to improve. I want to show people I can be like Sugar Ray Leonard. (laughs)
FF: How do you feel at flyweight? You?re a pretty tall guy, are you still able to make that weight comfortably?
ND: Actually, for the Maldonado fight I had about a month to lose almost 30 pounds. That?s why my legs felt a little off at first. I?m currently training now, so when I fight next I won?t have a very difficult time because it will be a gradual thing. Aside from that, I haven?t had any problems with the weight and I feel good. So far so good, you know?
FF: I know there?s always a lot of politics involved in picking a next opponent, but if it were up to you, who would you want to get in the ring with next?
ND: There are a lot of good fighters at 115, but my main goal is to unify titles. The thought of being the first Filipino fighter to be called undisputed would be a great thing and would mean a lot to me. I?ve always wanted to fight Jorge Arce. He?s a fighter I?ve called out many times before. He?s a great fighter and I?d rather face him now than later on when he?s past his best. He?s still got the heart and skills of a champion and I?m a warrior who wants to fight the best guys who will bring the best out of me. Christian Mijares is a good fighter and a great boxer, Montiel? There are a lot of good names out there. But for now I?d like to unify and then fight whoever?s out there.
FF: Well a good thing for you is that after this year a lot of eyes will be on you and that?s always good for bargaining power. Nonito I think that?s all we have for you, we want to thank you for taking the time to talk to the FightFans at FightFan.com and would like to wish you the best of luck and health in 2008. Is there anything else you?d like to say to the fans out there?
ND: I?ve always got to thank all the fans out there, and to you guys for getting my name out there, and other boxers and just the sport in general. Boxing is alive and well and I want all my fans to know I?ll take on all comers. Thanks everyone and please watch me in 2008!
[Editor?s note: A special thanks to Jay ?Chups? Villar for his assistance in helping to set up this interview]
