Donaire wants dream fight vs Montiel

MANILA, Philippines - Regardless of who he faces next, Nonito Donaire Jr. wants to be in the undercard of the next Manny Pacquiao fight.

 “I’ve already made the request to fight in the undercard of Pacquiao even if it’s not yet sure if he gets to face Antonio Margarito (on Nov. 13),” said Donaire, the former world flyweight and super-flyweight champion, yesterday.

The ambidextrous fighter from General Santos City is determined to move up to the bantamweight class, and said he prefers to take on Fernando Montiel, the WBC and WBO champion in the 118-lb class, next.

Donaire has long been looking for a fight as big as the one against Vic Darchinyan in 2007 when he won the WBF flyweight crown with a sensational fifth-round knockout that made a lot of people remember his name.

But Donaire has never found one even if he had won his last six fights. He only fought once in 2008, twice in 2009 and two more this year, including an eighth round knockout of Hernan Marquez in Puerto Rico last month.

The 27-year-old Filipino, the interim WBA World super-flyweight champ, said he wants to close the year with the bantamweight crown in his hands, then move on to next year hoping to conquer the heavier divisions.

“I really want the Montiel fight but I don’t hear anything from him. I think that’s one of the most exciting fights out there, and people are eager to see that one,” said Donaire during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

“I have a lot of respect for Montiel because he’s the best bantamweight right now. He has two belts. But nothing has come out of his mouth. It’s a little frustrating that the best fighters out there don’t want to fight me,” he said.

Donaire said he’s not actually choosy when it comes to his opponents, but he’d rather see himself back in the ring with boxers of his same caliber, and not against those who are just meant to keep him busy.

“Israel Vasquez? I also like to fight him but I want to win the bantamweight title first before a take on him at super-bantamweight. I’ve always been the one calling the fights. Maybe it would be better if they start calling me,” he added.

A rematch with Darchinyan has been up in the air for quite some time, only recently, negotiations fell off once more, leading to the fight with Marquez.

“It’s quite frustrating. But I have to keep on moving,” said Donaire.