Donaire eyes ‘undisputed’ title

By: Rijel R. Reyes

“The Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire Jr. aims to unify three belts in the super bantamweight division against the Japanese veteran Toshiaki “The Speed King”Nishiokain Carson, California on October 14, 2012 (Philippine time).

The 29-year old Donaire (29-1) faces a tough adversary against 36-year old Nishioka (39-4-3) who was undefeated for the last eight years. At stake are Donaire’s WBO (World Boxing Organization) and IBF (International Boxing Federation)super bantamweight titles and Nishioka’s WBC (World Boxing Council)title.

“When you have three out of the four [titles], that’s undisputed to me. One more belt and I’m good to go to 126,” said Donaire in a public interview.

The long dominance of Nishioka in super bantamweight gave him the respect as the best in his division and one of the toughest guys in the sport.

In the official web page of WBO, Donaire said that “Not only does he have speed, power and experience, but he’s also a southpaw. So there are a lot of factors as far as his style that I have not seen in other opposition.”

Meanwhile, featherweight champion Billy Dib said in Fight Hype that “Nonito has the skill set and smarts to beat Nishioka in a tough bout.”

Donaire won his WBO super bantamweight title against Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. last February and gained his IBF title against the tall Jeffrey Mathebula from South Africa.

Nishioka, who is ending his long absence since his title defense last year, is currently on a 16-bout winning streak and eyes to extend his reign and dominance in the division by defeating the Filipino fighter.

Ranked and etched in the same level as Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Andre Ward and Sergio Martinez, Donaire who is the top five pound-for-pound fighter according to RingTV, is on his own way in printing his greatness in the sport after consecutive promising victories in his last fights.