HE IS virtually an unknown fighter even in his own country but make no mistake about it, a Filipino is climbing the ring this morning (Manila time) to take a shot at world boxing glory.
Glenn Donaire, a 26-year-old boxer from General Santos City — yes, the beloved hometown of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao–faces International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) champion Vic Darchinyan for the latter’s two world titles in a 12-round flyweight fight at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Donaire will be entering the ring as the heavy underdog, but the “Filipino Bomber,” as he is called, is unfazed and determined to give glory to his country and native GenSan just like Pacquiao and Rolando Navarette.
“This is going to be war,” said Donaire, who left General Santos City to find greener pastures in America when he was 13 years old.
Donaire, who holds a record of 16-2-1 with 9 KOS, also vowed to avenge the defeat of his good friend Diosdado Gabi at the hands of Darchinyan early this year.
Gabi, who hails from Lasang, Davao City, challenged Darchinyan for the world flyweight crown last March but got stopped in the eight round by the Armnenia-born Australian.
Darchinyan will carry into the fight an impressive slate of 26-0 with 21 KOs. He vowed to make Donaire his 22nd KO victim.
“I will knock him out with either hand,” said Darchinyan in referrence to Donaire’s claim that he relies too much with his powerful left hand.
The champion, however, is aware of the boxing ability of the challenger.
“I think Donaire is s good fighter. He is a good puncher. He will give me a good fight. The fact that he likes to fight on the inside works right into my plan,” said Darchinyan, known as “The Raging Bull.”
The Donaire-Darchinyan championship fight is the main supporting bout of the Joel Casamayor-Diego Corrales encounter.
