MANILA ? Five months after being stopped for the first time, former five-division champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. is set to return to action later this month.
Donaire, 32, recognizes the importance of this fight in terms of knowing his capabilities and his ability to stay in the super bantamweight division.
?The Phoenix will rise in the form of the Flash. The Phoenix symbolizes the rebirth and that?s what I will be,? said Donaire.
Donaire will battle William Prado of Brazil in a 12-round superbantamweight bout on March 28 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
?Donaire?s bout will be part of ?Pinoy Pride 30? boxing card headlined by seven-year world champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes who will stake his WBO lightflyweight belt against Mexican Gilberto Parra.
During their press conference last month in Manila, Donaire said he plans to fight for a world title by early 2016 as he wants to have a prudent comeback before plunging into high-level type of fights.
He, however, admits that a bout with one-time tormentor Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba would be his main target should he decide to reclaim his throne in the 122-lb class.
?In order for me to really understand if I?m worthy is to beat Rigondeaux. If I can?t do that, I?m not at that level. But I want to be at that level and to prove that is to fight him,? said Donaire.
The undefeated Rigondeaux spoiled what would have been Donaire?s road to immense stardom as the Filipino Flash was being groomed to battle a few more top caliber champions from the featherweight division and above.
Coming off a huge 2012 where he was named fighter of the year, Donaire suffered a shock 12-round decision win to Rigondeaux last April 2013 in New York.
Donaire (33-3, 21 KO?s) recovered from the loss by defeating Armenia-born Vic Darchinyan of Australia and South African Simpiwe Vetyeka on his way to winning the WBA and IBO Featherweight belts.
Donaire got derailed once more when he was stopped by Jamaican Nicholas Walters in the 6th round October of last year in Carson, California. ? Rivals 2015
