At the moment interim WBA super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire is a man with mixed emotions. While always keeping a care free and positive outlook towards the future the Bohol, Philippines native can?t help but get a little frustrated at the recent developments surrounding his career. Despite his deepest urges Donaire once again finds himself on the outside looking in, as his wishes of a match with interim WBO bantamweight champion Eric Morel were shot down for no apparent reason.
Morel was on pace for a June 26th matchup with charismatic champion Jorge Arce in a clash of veterans looking to stay relevant in their careers but things got confusing when it was revealed that the Sinaloa, Mexico fighter was cut in sparring and had to withdraw himself from the contest. With Arce out of the picture Donaire immediately let it be known that he would savor the chance to step in as a replacement against Morel but as reported by Philboxing earlier today, the Puerto Rican apparently was reluctant.
?We wanted to get that fight and move up to 118,? Donaire said moments ago. ?Making 115 is getting harder on me and I just want to move up. This was the opportunity right now for me to move up and it was the ideal fight. I called my manager Cameron Dunkin and he made an appointment with Top Rank and they talked about it. About 24 hours later we found out that, from what I heard, that he didn?t want to take the fight. He said he would rather not fight at all then take the fight. That?s the whole story for now.?
Perplexing news indeed, especially considering that just a few months ago Morel spoke to members of the media before his last bout at the Hilton in Las Vegas and was beyond adamant about his beliefs that he was back and better than ever. A fight with Donaire would have been the exact showcase for Morel to back up those lofty proclamations but it obviously wasn?t in his agenda.
?I?m completely surprised,? Donaire conceded. ?Morel is a fighter and he is a veteran fighter. What I got from Top Rank was that he didn?t want to take the fight and that he would rather postpone the fight until Arce got back from healing and be able to fight. That?s what I heard from them and I haven?t contacted their side but it?s what I heard. We?re both with Top Rank and that fight should be easy to make.?
There is still some controversy lingering around Morel due to the questionable decision he received against Donaire?s countryman Gerry Penalosa on February 13th at the Hilton. Donaire was the key attraction to that card, a Pinoy Power 3/Latin Fury 13 event, and despite not taking in the action himself he is still spurred on by the thought of getting redemption for Penalosa, whom many felt was robbed of a deserved victory that Valentine?s eve.
?I never got to see the fight,? Donaire stated. ?My guy Jonathan Penalosa, the older brother of Gerry, saw it throughout and he was distraught when he came back from the corner. That?s just the fight for me. He holds what I want, which is the WBO title and we want that. Jonathan Penalosa was just furious after the fight and when I told him that there was a possibility with Morel he wanted to back me up. I like the fact that there is a lot of motivation in the camp and it makes me want to work hard.?
You can?t feel too sorry for Donaire as he is still in the prime of his career and literally one big fight away from again bursting onto the scene. It?s a blessed life but one that has definitely come with its share of dashed hopes as of late.
?It?s very frustrating because I thought the fight with [Vic] Darchinyan was on,? Donaire claimed. ?It?s been months ago and they pulled out. From what his promoter said it sounded like he was interested in facing the winner of Perez-Mares and that he didn?t want to fight me. For me I was psyched up for it and it doesn?t happen but you just gotta do what you can do at the gym so you are ready for that next opportunity.?
Donaire very well may find himself in the Bantamweight division in the near future and that would certainly give him his chance to shine against a bevy or talented champions and contenders. Donaire feels that it is the right move to make and in closing you can sense the still-apparent hunger and focus in his voice.
?I?m getting stronger. My body is maturing. I?m getting older and the weight is hard for me to put off now. There is a big name out there for me in Fernando Montiel and another fighter is Anselmo Moreno. After that maybe I could move up to 122 and since Marquez is right there I would want to be able to clash with Rafael Marquez. There are a lot of possibilities but I know I would be more confident and more comfortable at a higher division.?
To see more images of Nonito Donaire please click on the collage below?
