Solar telecasts Donaire fight

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Nonito Donaire defends his title against unbeaten challenger Raul Martinez on March 22 at the Araneta Coliseum in a fight co-promoted by Solar Sports and Top Rank.

Solar Sports decided to put up the boxing card to allow Filipino ring fans see up close and personal the 26-year-old California-based champion credited as the only man to have inflicted Australian mean puncher Vic Darchinyan his only loss in the ring as a pro.

The country’s leading sports network channel is also bringing in Fil-American Brian Viloria fighting in the other half of the double championship promotion. Viloria will be challenging Mexican Ulises Solis for the IBF light-flyweight title.

Donaire is now in the thick of his preparation for the third defense of the title he won with a stunning fifth round technical knockout of the previously unbeaten Darchinyan in a bout that emerged as the runaway choice as boxing’s Upset of the Year in 2007.

The Filipino (20-1, 13 KOs) has set up his training camp in Baguio City under the watchful eyes of new trainers Gerry Peñalosa, the current World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion, and brothers Dodie Boy Peñalosa, a former two-time world titlists, and Jonathan Peñalosa.

With still five weeks to go before the 12-round bout, Donaire said he’s already in top shape and ready to rumble.

“Kahit bukas nga puwede ng lumaban,” said the soft-spoken defending IBF champ.

He is coming off a sixth round technical knockout victory over Moruti Mthalane last November at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, after the ring physician decided that the South African challenger is unfit to fight owing to a large cut he suffered in his right eye.

But against Martinez, Donaire may just be in for a long night. Born in San Antonio, Texas but with a Mexican heritage, the 27-year old challenger has a perfect 24-0 record, including 14 knockouts.

He last fought November 14 with a one round demolition of Victor Poa for the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super-flyweight championship in Pennsylvania, USA.