Tonight two-division world champion Nonito Donaire (24-1, 16 KOs) risks an upcoming shot at WBC bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel in a dangerous 12-round pay-per-view battle against former longtime WBA bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidorenko (22-2-2, 7 KOs) at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Meanwhile, Montiel (43-2-2, 33 KOs) must do his part next week Eduardo Garcia (21-5-1, 9 KOs) next week in Torreon, Mexico. If both Donaire and Montiel are victorious, they have a February 19 showdown in Las Vegas already lined up.
Also, WBC lightweight champion Humberto Soto (53-7-2, 32 KOs) is on a mission to show the world that he, and not countryman Juan Manuel Marquez, is the best lightweight in the world. Soto is set to defend against Urbano Antillon (28-1, 20 KOs).
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Donaire says he?s not looking past tonight?s fight. ?Sidorenko is a very tough guy,? said the second most popular fighter in the Philippines after Manny Pacquiao in the run up to the fight. ?He is very experienced and he knows how to win, as well.
?He is there to bring his name up as well in beating me. I am really focused on this fight and ready for whatever he brings to the ring. He is a different style than I have seen. I will change my style accordingly to take advantage of my opponent. It is going to be a tough fight and one that I want to make a statement on.
?Sidorenko is a tough guy, a former champion and I have to be at my best or else if I slip I?ll never get past him and I?ll never get to Montiel. I have Montiel on the horizon if I get past this guy and that?s why I have all the motivation that I need. This is where I want to be, with Montiel and Sidorenko. He is a good fighter and it will help me be a better fighter in terms of how I deal with this guy.?
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Soto, a three division world champion who will be defending his WBC lightweight belt for the third time, knows tonight?s clash against Antillon is not only an important fight, but an opportunity for fight fans to compare his performance to that of Juan Manuel Marquez last weekend.
?I prepared myself very hard to retain my championship,? said Soto. ?I know that Antillon is a tough opponent. I know he wants to knock me out and I want to do the same to him. This is a chance to prove that I?m the best lightweight in the world.?
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Also scheduled on tonight?s PPV telecast undefeated lightweight contender Mikey Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) faces Olivier Lontchi (18-1-2, 8 KOs) and middleweight contender Pawel Wolak (27-1, 17 KOs) goes against Jose Pinzon (19-1-1, 13 KOs). Televised bouts begin at 9PM ET/6PM PT.
