Donaire: 2007 KO win no longer counts

MANILA, Philippines - Nonito Donaire Jr. is not counting on what happened six years ago when he knocked out Vic Darchinyan in their first meeting in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The 30-year-old Filipino superstar insists that things have changed.

“I don’t really look back.  I only look forward – to this fight,” said Donaire heading to today’s rematch at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“We have grown so much since six years ago in 2007. We can go back and get a little reference to that fight in 2007 but he will be a lot different when he shows up on Saturday,” he said.

Darchinyan is now 37, one of the oldest active boxers. But he said age doesn’t matter. What’s important to him is the chance to get back at Donaire.

In Aug. 7, 2007, Darchinyan fought Donaire heavily tipped to win. But he walked straight into the Filipino’s left hook that looked more like a cross and got knocked out.

The rest is history, and the flamboyant boxer from Armenia said a few days ago he’s taking this opportunity to avenge the stunning loss.

“In 2007 there was the punch.  I jumped and Nonito got me with the left hook,” said Darchinyan who weighed in yesterday at 125.75 pounds.

Donaire, a brand-new father, tipped the scales at 125.25. He faced Darchinyan as former world heavyweight champion George Foreman stood in front of them.

Donaire, who lost his WBO and WBA super-bantamweight titles to Guillermo Rigondeaux last April, said the rematch won’t last the distance.

Donaire said he had a great camp after being reunited with his father. He now has trainer Robert Garcia to his right and his father to his left.

And now he’s counting on both hands to do the job.

“Yes it (camp) has been excellent.  I am confident in both hands and we can pull the trigger with both hands so I am very excited about it,” said Donaire.

But Darchinyan is unfazed – not with his age, not with Donaire’s fists and not with what happened in 2007.

“I want to show everyone what I can do in the ring.  I don’t only have power.  I have skills and I can’t wait to show the people.  It doesn’t matter how old I am. 

“I am very prepared and I can’t wait to come and show excitement and when they see the fight they will know what I am talking about,” he said.

Darchinyan mentioned the names of fighters older than him – Sergio Martinez (38), Juan Manuel Marquez (40) and Bernard Hopkins (48). 

“I want to say to everyone I have been waiting six years.   It was my mistake (2007) and I have good skills and I have power and I will not make the mistake again,” Darchinyan added.