NEWLY crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) super-featherweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. will only have a few months? rest before he hits the gym anew to stay in top shape.
Donaire, who will spend one week with his family in Boracay before going back to California on June 11, is eyeing to fight again either in October or on November 22, as one of the undercards in Manny Pacquiao?s scheduled fight in Macau.
Top Rank big boss Bob Arum said after the fight that a possible rematch will take place or Donaire will be facing another opponent in the 126-pound division. But there was no indications when the bout will happen.
The 31-year-old Bohol-born fighter (33-2, with 21 KOs) believes he has a lot more gas left in his tank after claiming his fifth division title following a fifth-round technical-decision win over deposed South African champion Simpiwe Vetyeka (26-3, with 16 KOs) on Saturday night in Macau.
?There?s still a long way to go before I reach my true potential. So, once the doctors tell me that the cut is now okay, I will start and train early for me to become three times faster and stronger than this fight,? said Donaire during Monday?s welcome at the ELJ Tower in Quezon City.
Donaire, who shot into fame for his speed and power punches, said regaining his old form was what they focused at training camp conducted by his father, Nonito Sr., and Robert Garcia.
?We used more speed [training]. My power does not come from my strength but it comes from the speed, the velocity of the impact of the punches. So we worked on the speed more that?s why my punches are much stronger when it hits.?
Aside from working to get back his speed and power-punching skills, Donaire Sr. and Garcia helped the younger Donaire with his footwork based on his father?s advice.
In Photo: Nonito Donaire Jr. addresses a news conference on Monday. (Nonoy Lacza)
