As Bantamweight champion Nonito Doinaire takes the spotlight in New York City this week, 36-year old Omar Narvaez is quietly doing business days before his title fight at Madison Square Garden with the popular champion. Wednesday afternoon, Donaire was a guest for a diplomatic reception at the Philippines Consulate.
Narvaez the two-time undefeated world champion, and current WBO junior bantamweight champion from Argentina was relaxed and having a quiet lunch with his camp at the Affinia Hotel across from the Garden. He could care less that Donaire was with a share of the boxing media. His only concern is getting in the ring Saturday night and taking the title, his first fight in the United States and on HBO.
?It has been a fight I have waited for a long time,? he said through an interpreter. He is the unknown champion from Argentina, conspicuous in the states, similar to how fellow countryman and Diamond Belt champion Sergio Martinez was before he defeated Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams. And not known to many, Narvaez has the distinction of being the longest world champion holding two titles since 2002 without a defeat.
He is attempting to take another title at 118, and of course is recognized as the well know underdog. To that he says, ?These are the fights I want to be in because it will bring the best in me. Everyone is going to find out that I am also fast and strong.?
Narvaez is fascinated with New York City. He walks the streets with his small entourage and is not noticed. Like Donaire, fighting at the Garden is an honor, even though the fight is not in the main arena and at the adjacent WalMu Theatre. It is new surroundings and will be electric, partly because Donaire will have a contingent of New York Based fight fans from the Philippines.
?He is best at his best at his weight and a great challenge,? he says about Donaire. ?I wanted to fight him at 112 but it did not happen. I will be fast and strong. I have a lot to prove why I am here but I believe in what I have. I know about his popularity and respect what he has done.?
While Donaire goes about his business in the Big Apple, Narvaez does the same though the attention for this title fight is not about him. Donaire is gaining popularity and also fighting at the Garden for the first time with plenty of comparisons to fellow countryman Manny Pacquiao. The fan appeal is in Argentina for Marvaez and the Latino media are accustomed to his style.
While Pacquiao and Donaire have defended their titles and defeated named opponents, Narvaez has been in the ring with relatively unknown talent. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum sees this as an interesting fight. ?Narvaez will be a challenge for Nonito,? says Arum who is no stranger to staging an interesting fight at the Garden. ?He is fast, has a good chin and a southpaw. We also look at this as an important opportunity for Omar.?
Arum is looking ahead for Donaire and that may have inspired Narvaez. It has not been easy gaining access to the champion who looks to unify the title. Top Rank personnel have been informed by his camp to keep him away from the media, and he was not available while Donaire had open workouts at two boxing gyms in New York, Gleason?s and Kingsway. So an opportunity to know more about Narvaez comes watching his previous fights on tape, and at the final press conference before the fight that takes place in New York City Thursday afternoon.
His workouts have been closed at a private gym in the Affinia Hotel. Getting a prevailing opinion about Donaire has come without getting his direct attention. It is not the way to help promote a fight at the Garden, even if it is not in the main arena, but the attention on this one was intended for Nonito Donaire.
Donaire has said that he has left the strategy and approach about this fight to his handlers. He said if Narvaez makes a mistake, his 35-0 undefeated mark will be over. ?I just want to entertain and give the fans a good performance,? he says calming all the talk that Arum is planning to make him into another Pacquiao, or the next superstar for the sport.
But at times, as was with Sergio Martinez, the unexpected happens. And the fighter who does not offer much before the big show is the one to watch. Time will tell if Nonito Dionaire continues his quest and what will Omar Narvaez have to offer.
