Donaire needs only one good punch to halt opponent

MANILA, Philippines - One good punch is all Nonito Donaire would need to send Raul Martinez to dreamland.

“If it lands, then the fight is over,” Donaire, just two weeks away from his title defense against the undefeated Mexican-American, told a few scribes in a swanky Italian restaurant Friday evening.

“It’s like I’m just waiting for that pitch and once I see it, then it’s a homerun,” added Donaire, who puts his IBF and IBO flyweight crowns at stake on April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Donaire, so cool in his white shirt, jeans and wool hat, said he’s been walking around at 120 pounds, and with two weeks left has to shed off eight more pounds.

“It’s no problem. I’ve been training harder than ever for this fight. I think I’m in the best shape of my career,” said Donaire, armed with a big knockout punch seldom seen in small fighters.

Donaire has sparred close to 120 rounds, under the Peñalosa brothers Dodie Boy and Gerry for the fight against the undefeated boxer nicknamed “The Cobra.”

“If I can knock him out then I’d knock him out. But I’m ready to go 12 rounds – even 24 rounds,” said Donaire, who came with his gorgeous wife Rachel, a taekwondo champ.

The 27-year-old Martinez, 24-0 with 14 knockouts, is nothing new to Donaire. They’ve faced once during their amateur days, with the Filipino winning on points.

“But it’s a lot different now that we’re pros. He’s also good, he’s quick, he’s strong. I’ve experienced his power,” said Donaire.

He added that they have a few DVDs of Martinez’ previous fights, and though he’d take a look at it, he’s not really into reviewing the tapes of his opponent.

“I don’t want to end up fighting his style. I’d like him to fight my style. I don’t want to expect a certain punch or a certain style because it messes up my rhythm,” he said.

“I want to work with what’s in front of me. I’m focused with my own game plan, and if I land my punch then it’s over,” Donaire, 26 years old and 20-1-0, added. – Abac Cordero