Earlier today at the Las Vegas Hilton the first press conference for the upcoming February 13th Pinoy Power 3/Latin Fury 13 card was announced. Three select fighters from that card, interim WBA Super Flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, WBO Bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel, and former champion Eric Morel all gave their thoughts on what fighting on the card means to them.
Donaire will be defending his belt against knockout minded Gerson Guerrero from Mexico City with hopes of a rematch with Vic Darchinyan to be next in line. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum claims that following Manny Pacquiao, Donaire is the next biggest superstar in the Philippines. With Donaire was his new trainer, former champion Robert Garcia, and the ‘Filipino Flash’ opened up on their relationship.
“What attracted me with Robert was that he also had the desire to be the best,” Donaire claims. “I’ve learned a lot from just being around him a short time. I can only do so much by myself because I’m only me but he sees things that I don’t see. I feel that we can conquer the world.”
To see Chris Farina’s exclusive gallery of Nonito Donaire, click HERE
In August of 2000 Eric Morel captured his first world championship with a unanimous decision over Thailand’s Sornpichai Kratingdaenggym. Great things were expected from Morel afterwards but despite defending his belt five times over the next three years a December 2003 loss to Lorenzo Parra would temporarily sidetrack his career and he has been unable to regain his championship status ever since.
Morel will be squaring off with former two-time champion Gerry Penalosa in a WBO Bantamweight eliminator and insisted earlier today that he is a new fighter with a new outlook on his career.
“I’m back,” Morel stated. “I know it’s been a long time. Right now it’s just my time. This is it for me. I’m going to get that belt.”
For more on Morel, click HERE
Last but not least to speak was Montiel, who is looking to reverse the bad taste that was left following a third round TKO loss to Alejandro Valdez this past September. The bout was a non-title affair so Montiel still has his title in tact but is looking to remind the public of the fighter he once was. Montiel will be facing undefeated Ciso Morales from the Philippines and the veteran knows he is again in a must win situation
“This fight represents bigger things for me,” Montiel remarked. “I know a lot of people question what happened with my last fight. I want to apologize for my performance in that fight. This time I don’t want to leave any doubt.”
To get a closer look at Donaire, Montiel, and Morel, please check out the slideshow below or click HERE…
