World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight super champion Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire Jr. faces American Stephon Young today (Philippine time) in the semifinal round of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Donaire Jr., who is sporting a 39-5 win-loss record with 25 knockouts, confidently tipped the scale at 117.6 pounds, while the 30-year-old Young met the limit at 117.3 pounds during the formal weigh-in of fighters on Saturday.
Despite his advantage heading to the fight, Donaire?s father Dodong reminded his 36-year-old son to remain cautious because Young was also prepared to make a name for himself by upsetting the four-division world champion.
?We cannot be complacent against anyone,? Donaire Sr. told The Manila Times through overseas call in Filipino.
?In fact, Young had a supposed fight in the undercard. He is also prepared for this fight as an alternate,? added Donaire Sr., who serves as his son?s official cutman.
He said Donaire would definitely have no problem adjusting with Young?s strategy since the World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion South African Zolani Tete is also southpaw. Tete was replaced by Young this week after injuring his right shoulder last Monday.
Comparing both fighters, Donaire Sr. said Tete was taller and had longer reach but Young was a little bit faster. He, however, said that age would not play a huge factor in the bout, saying his son was very disciplined when it came to taking care of his body.
?I believe he will beat more young boxers because of his superb condition. He also trains seriously.?
Donaire Sr. predicted that his son could score a knockout victory before sixth round.
?His opponent has the tendency to bow or hide his head when bombarded with punches, so there are chances that we can hit him with uppercuts and body shots. We have to hit accurately, too,? Donaire Sr. explained.
The winner of Donaire-Young bout will face the May 18 winner between the other semifinalist ? WBA bantamweight regular champion Naoya Inoue of Japan and International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez ? in the WBSS finals.
Donaire, who was born in Talibon, Bohol, is coming from a fourth round technical knockout win against Ryan Burnett in the quarterfinal round of WBSS last November 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Young, with an 18-1-3 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts, last won against Wilner Soto of Colombia on October 20 in Orlando, Florida.
But he was beaten by Filipino pug Raymart Gaballo via unanimous decision on March 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California for the interim WBA bantamweight title.
