The continuing saga on the identity of his next foe continues, but Cebuano Z “The Dream” Gorres is now slated to face Fil-Am Glenn Donaire in an 8-round bout underneath tomorrow’s Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales pay-per-view. Words of caution: Gorres might still end up against another foe tomorrow.
At least for now, the country’s hottest 115-lb fighter Gorres is due to face Donaire, who once campaigned in the Philippines before returning to the United States. The 5’5 Donaire of San Leandro, California reached the semifinal round at the U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials in Tampa, Florida where he was described as “strong, really strong,” by a former foe. Donaire, who fights alongside brother Nonito, came to the United States from the Philippines in 1993 and is trained by his father Nonito Sr. and Robert Salinas.
WBO Asia-Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo, who is currently in Las Vegas to watch the Pacquiao-Morales showdown, confirmed to this writer that indeed, Gorres versus Donaire has been made.
“The match for Z Gorres is now Glenn Donaire for 8 rounds in the undercard of the Pacquiao card. It’s a battle between a Fil-Am and Filipino boxer. You know this is a really good fight. It’s really disapointing to not see a Mexican boxer for Gorres. Both fighters are my friend, I wish them both well and may the best fighter win. This is just business for both of them,” Panoncillo told this writer from Vegas.
Previously, the talented ALA Boy Gorres was slated to meet against Russian Dmitri Kirilov, but the latter backed out presumably after the financial aspect of the negotiations bogged down. Then, ex-Olympian and WBC mandatory challenger Jose Navarro was brought in and suddenly there was a fight. But no sooner than reports started coming out in the internet detailing Gorres’ credentials and talent had the fight been called off.
Three other opponents–Gerson Guerrero, Felix Flores Murillo and Reynaldo Hurtado–mysteriously disappeared from the fight mix with no apparent reason.
Gorres goes into the fight armed with 18-1-1, 10 KO’s record while Donaire is 13-1, 8 KO’s.
