A FEW days before defending his titles against Argentinian challenger Omar Narvaez, World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. said that he is happy to be in Manny Pacquiao?s shadow.
?Manny is a part of why I?m here, he?s inspired me,? said Donaire who will be fighting Narvaez on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Donaire said he?s always proud to be associated with the pound-for-pound king, ?It?s an absolute honor because we?re friends. I was only 18 the first time I met him [Pacquaio]. He?s a great guy. Life was simple back then. I always support Manny. When we see each other we always have lunch.?
The boxer dubbed as ?The Filipino Flash? recalled many happy karaoke jam sessions and boxing lessons with the PacMan, ?I?ve known him since 2000 and he taught me how to fight lefties. I sparred with Manny in 2001 back at Wildcard, I was 108 lbs. then he was 122 lbs.?
Those boxing lessons from Pacquaio might prove particularly useful to Donaire when fighting Narvaez who is a southpaw. The Argentinian is coming into the match with a record unblemished with defeat (35-0). He said he is ready to take away the two titles from the Filipino.
But Donaire has a grim warning for Narvaez, ?If I hit the right spot, it can end any moment. That?s what the people want,? he said.
