THE fate of Philippine boxing lies in the hands of Nonito Donaire Jr. today, Sunday, as two straight losses from the Philippines? top guns could be detrimental for the sport.
?It means everything right now after the devastating loss of Manny (Pacquiao),? ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
Donaire Jr. defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight crown and the pride of a country, which has been wounded because of the recent fall of its top superstar. Donaire will be facing fan-favorite Mexican banger Jorge Arce on Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines) at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Despite the shocking loss of his compatriot, the 30-year-old flashy fighter isn?t going into this fight with vengeance on his mind.
?I?m in there to knock Arce out because I want to and that?s what I plan to do,? Donaire Jr. told ESPN. ?I am here to win the fight, but not with that mentality. I won?t put that revenge status in my mind. That just gets me off my game. I want to go out and win and then raise my flag. I hope all the Filipinos can smile, that they can enjoy the fight, and we can give them a good show. The Pacquiao thing was unfortunate, but that?s part of boxing. He is still a legend and still Manny Pacquiao, a legend of the Philippines. He opened the door for me and all the other Filipino fighters.?
Both Donaire Jr. and Arce made weight on yesterday, tipping the scales at 121.5 and 122 pounds, respectively.
Donaire Jr., 30-1 with 19 knockouts, has had an impressive run, winning 28 straight fights since losing his second career bout in 2001.
The 33-year-old Arce wants to end that streak and score back-to-back upsets for Mexico.
?What happened last week in Las Vegas with Pacquiao and Marquez is going to happen again,? said Arce. ?A new surprise.?
Arce, 61-6-2 with 46 knockouts, has found his second wind after some of his critics have said that he was past his prime. He has won nine out of his last 11 fights.
Pacquiao and Donaire Jr. are two of the country?s most revered stars in the sweet science and back-to-back losses would be a huge blow. But it would not be the end, according to Aldeguer.
?It would definitely be a huge setback for Philippine boxing temporarily, but with a lot of young talented fighters coming up, and the popularity of boxing in the Philippines right now, I believe it can be sustained but if Donaire loses, it may take a longer route because of the Pacquiao loss.? (Sun.Star Cebu)
