Donaire battles dangerous foe in NY debut

MANILA, Philippines -  It won’t be cakewalk for WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. when he stakes his twin titles against unbeaten Omar Narvaez of Argentina at the 5,600-seat Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York City, this morning (Manila time) but that’s the way he likes it.

Donaire, 28, is eager to showcase his skills in his East Coast debut and he couldn’t ask for a more revered venue than what was once known as the “mecca of boxing.” While the Theater isn’t the Garden’s main stage, it’s still an integral part of the legendary ambiance that enveloped classic fights like the first Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier encounter in 1971 and the Roberto Duran-Ken Buchanan brawl in 1972.

As he predicted, Donaire had no problem making the 118-pound limit. In yesterday’s weigh-in, he tipped the scales at 116.25 while Narvaez checked in at 117.

“Narvaez is a tremendous fighter and he’s very experienced,” said Donaire. “He has great heart and knows how to win. I plan on being faster, stronger and smarter. I sparred about 100 rounds during this camp. I plan on weighing 127 to 128 pounds the day of the fight. I’m mentally focused on just one thing – to win the fight. I’m totally prepared to take care of Narvaez. I’m ready for anything. I don’t want to disappoint the fans.”

Donaire’s wife Rachel said she was surprised he weighed close to two pounds under the limit. “When Jun woke up the morning of the weigh-in, he was at 122,” she said. “He took a shower and with the steam from the hot water, lost about two pounds. Then, he gradually went down to 118. He never starved himself. After the weigh-in, he rehydrated right away.” Donaire enjoyed a steak dinner last night.

Working Donaire’s corner for the fight will be trainer Robert Garcia, strength and conditioning coach Mike Bazzel, chiropractor Cameron Fort and mixed martial arts fighter Brian Schwartz of the Undisputed Boxing Gym of San Carlos, California.  Garcia said Donaire is prepared to do what it takes to beat Narvaez, a southpaw. “He’ll pick his punches, he’ll study his opponent and figure out what to do,” said Garcia who also trains WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios and former WBA/IBF/WBO welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito.

“Jun’s just as excited for this fight as when he fought (Fernando) Montiel in his first HBO show,” said Rachel. “This is a whole new experience for Jun because he’s fighting before a new audience in New York City. Narvaez is a dangerous opponent and Jun knows it. He’s never been down, never been knocked out. And he’s been a world champion for a long time.”

At the weigh-in, the fighters shook hands and were civil to each other. “Jun accepted his hand, a sportsmanlike gesture,” said Rachel. “We thought the scales were a bit off like about a pound because Jun was right on at 118 when he left his hotel room. But that’s okay. He knew he would make the weight and he did.”

Donaire promised to be explosive in disposing of Narvaez and if the opportunity comes to score an early knockout, he’ll go for it. But if the fight drags on, Donaire said he’s ready to bang away for 12 rounds. Whether by knockout or decision, Donaire said he’ll out on a convincing performance to repulse Narvaez.

Donaire said after the fight, he’ll move up to the 122-pound superbantamweight division where big fights with WBO champion Jorge Arce, WBC titlist Toshiaki Nishioka, WBA ruler Rico Ramos and IBF king Takalani Ndlovu loom. He also has an altar date with Rachel on Nov. 11 when they get married in a church ceremony in Alabang.

Donaire said he is dedicating the fight to Rachel’s grandmother Ines Marcial who passed away last week. He’ll also use the bout as a stage to promote breast cancer awareness with a pink theme. His robe and trunks will be colored black and pink.

Narvaez, 36, represented Argentina twice in the Olympics and has reigned as WBO flyweight and superflyweight champion. His record is 35-0-2, with 19 KOs, and one of his victims was Filipino Rexon Flores. Donaire’s record is 26-1, with 18 KOs. The Filipino Flash has stopped his last four opponents, nine of his last 10.

Referee for the fight will be Benjy Esteves Jr. with Julie Lederman, Steve Weisfeld and Tom Schreck the judges.