Boxing Herald has been informed by current IBF flyweight world champion Nonito Donaire that a fight between himself and current WBC/WBA super flyweight world champion, Cristian Mijares is in the works. Recently, Donaire and promoter Gary Shaw have parted ways, leaving the champion a free agent. Donaire informs Boxing Herald that famed fight promoter Lou DiBella made an offer to match the two champion prizefighters, but a date and venue has not been negotiated at this time.
BH ? Nonito, what’s going on champ?
ND ? Man, a lot of things have been happening. I am coming into a new adventure in my life, and everything is good.
BH ? Let’s first talk about the situation between you and Gary Shaw. Can you tell us what happened, and why the two of you have decided to go in separate directions?
ND ? Well I always want to thank Gary for getting me this far, and getting me the opportunity to be a world champion. This is my job, this is my life, this is how I provide my families food, and to pay my bills. It’s been awhile since I have had a fight. It’s getting hard for me, I just bought a new house, and it’s hard to sustain things. It’s best for me to part ways, and come into a new adventure. I feel good, and I feel rejuvenated now.
BH ? Did you both just come to a mutual agreement? How did this all pan out?
ND ? Well pretty much, but there was supposed to be a fight for me every year in the contract, and he did not fulfill that. In terms, he breeched the contract by not getting me the fights in the contract. It was best to move on, and me and my manger decided to take it to a different level and give someone else an opportunity to get me the fights that I am looking for.
BH ? So is it safe to say that you are currently actively testing the market? You’re a free agent as of right now?
ND ? I am a free agent, and we are currently talking to people right now. There is an offer on the table right now for me to fight Cristian Mijares. That is one thing that gets me excited! He says he’s the best, and I want to be the best. That fight will be a dream come true for me right now. I want to prove to all that I am the best fighter in my division. There is no date right now, it’s not final, but there has been an offer from his camp.
BH ? Has Lou DiBella made this offer?
ND ? Yes, and I also have a fight in July as well.
BH ? What fight will you take in July?
ND ? My manager sent me an email, and told me to be ready for a fight in July. It might be on the Cotto card. He told me to tell them that the moment that I am ready, just tell him.
BH ? So you will be fighting in July without a promoter?
ND ? Pretty much yes, but my name is out there and I am sure that having my manager Cameron Duncan behind me, everything will be OK.
BH ? I’m guessing that promoters that have an interest in contacting you for promotional offers can call Cameron?
ND ? Yes, he will be the man that they can talk to. He got me everything that I need so far, and he handles the negotiations. I train, and I fight, and that’s my mentality. Just give me the date and the time, and I will be there.
BH ? A rematch with Vic Darchinyan is a little more interesting now that you’re no longer with Shaw.
ND ? I don’t know how the whole promoter thing goes, but for me, I will fight whoever is out there for me to fight.
BH ? Is it fair to say that Cristian Mijares is THE fight that you want the most right now?
ND ? Yes, he says he’s number one and the best in the world. I feel that I am faster and stronger than he is. I believe that I am a much better fighter than he is. He says that he’s a much better fighter than I am. I want to prove to myself that I am the better fighter.
BH ? Tell the promoters, and the fans why it’s a smart move to put Nonito Donaire on a big HBO type card.
ND ? Nonito Donaire can be the mean fighter, he can be the smart fighter, and he will never back down from anyone. I will give it all that I got, that’s all I know how to do. I will make each fight exciting, and for me there is no more satisfying victory than a knockout.
BH ? If the fight between you and Mijares does come to fruition, what venue would you want to fight him in?
ND ? Las Vegas! Growing up as a kid, I always wanted to fight in Las Vegas. If we did it in the Philippines the Mexican fans would think it’s a disadvantage. If we did it in Mexico, the Philippine fans would think it’s a disadvantage.
BH ? The Filipino fans have a great site called PACLAND. Is there anything that you would like to say to the Paclanders?
ND ? Yes, I have heard of that site for sure. I want to tell all the Paclander’s thank you for all of your support. I want to thank you guys for supporting us, without you it would be harder for us to get our names out there. I want to thank you for being there, and thank you for making boxing better for everyone. We are getting Filipino boxers more exposure now, we are helping each other out. I want to thank Pacland for helping us do that.
BH ? Back to Mijares, any date talked about for this fight yet?
ND ? No date talked about right now. I just got the offer today, and I am really excited about this. I hope we can make things happen, and I am just excited right now. This is a dream to fight him, and that’s what I want.
BH ? Manny Pacquiao will fight David Diaz, what are your thoughts on this fight?
ND ? The key for Manny to win this fight is his speed. The key to beating this guy is speed, and with that speed comes his power. With his speed he can make things happen, and he will have the right strategy to beat Diaz. Diaz is hungry as well, so it will be a good fight. I will support my friend Manny Pacquiao in this fight. Diaz wants this fight bad, he knows that beating Manny will get his name out there. I will be watching this fight, and I will support my Filipino friend. Maybe Manny and I can sing Karaoke again soon (laughs).
BH ? Give me a prediction champ?
ND ? I predict that Pacquiao will knock out Diaz in the early rounds.
BH ? Do you have any closing thoughts for your fans?
ND ? My fans keep me going. I want to thank them for everything, thank you for all of your support. I am a free agent now, and hopefully you will see me in July, and then God willing you will see me fight Cristian Mijares. Oh, and I don’t want to forget… I want to say hello to my beautiful fiance Rachel, she’s an incredible girl!
