Donaire expects big win vs bigger Vazquez

MANILA, Philippines -  Nonito Donaire Jr. declined to predict a knockout ending but said he expects to beat Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. convincingly in his first step to unify the world superbantamweight championship at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, this morning (Manila).

At stake in the 12-round bout is the vacant WBO 122-pound title which Vazquez once held but lost to Jorge Arce on a 12th round stoppage in Las Vegas last May. The defeat to Arce is the only blemish in Vazquez’ record. Arce defended the throne once then relinquished the crown to capture the WBO bantamweight championship last November. Now, Vazquez hopes to regain the title that he won by a fourth round knockout over Filipino Marvin Sonsona in Puerto Rico two years ago.

In yesterday’s weigh-in, Donaire tipped the scales at 121.6 pounds while Vazquez made it at 122. It is the Filipino Flash’s initial fight in the superbantamweight division. A win will make him only the second Filipino, after Manny Pacquiao, to collect at least three world titles in different weight classes. He previously captured the IBF flyweight and WBC/WBO bantamweight crowns. Donaire also held the WBA interim superflyweight championship but not the official “regular” title.  

Donaire said after taking the WBO title, he’ll go after the other superbantamweight champions – WBC’s Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan, WBA’s Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba and IBF’s Takalani Ndlovu of South Africa. “But I’m not thinking that far ahead,” he said. “I’ve got Vazquez to take care of first.”

In an overseas phone call from San Antonio, Donaire said if he were fighting at 118, he would guarantee the fight to end within six rounds. “This is my first time to fight at 122 so let’s see how my power is at this weight, how a bigger guy can take my power,” he said. “I’ll test my power at 122 and see how far it goes. My goal is to take all the belts at 122. I know (Top Rank chairman) Bob (Arum) plans three more fights for me this year. I’m looking forward to that. How I proceed depends on how I adjust to my weight. At the moment, my focus is Vazquez. I’m very confident (of winning) but I can’t take him lightly. He’s bigger and a former world champion.”

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.

Vazquez, 27, said he’ll pressure Donaire from the start, using his size to advantage, and pound his “thin” body. “I’m going to win no matter how,” said Vazquez, quoted by Chris Robinson of the Las Vegas Boxing Examiner. “I’m going to do my job round by round. When I have him ready, something will happen. It’s the most important fight of my career.”

The third man in the ring will be retired US Army sergeant first class Rafael Ramos who worked the Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight at the Cowboys Stadium two years ago and the Drian Francisco-Tepparith Singwancha bout for the interim WBA superflyweight title in Thailand last May. Ramos, 55, was also the referee when Vazquez’ father Wilfredo Sr. beat Orlando Canizales for the WBA superbantamweight crown in San Antonio in 1995. He has worked over 300 bouts, including 50 world title fights. The judges are Levi Martinez of New Mexico, Don Trella of Connecticut and Dr. Ruben Garcia of Texas.

Donaire, 29, vowed to do his best. “I’d like to thank all my fans for their prayers and support,” he said. “I’m in great shape. I had an excellent training camp. Vazquez’ advantage is his size but he lacks experience. He’s got a good right hand with decent power but I’m not worried about it because I can see it coming. I saw a few rounds of his fight against Arce on TV. I know what to do to win and I’ll be out there to get the job done. To all my fans out there, stay tuned.”

Donaire’s wife Rachel said the Filipino Flash has never been more focused for a fight. “I’m excited to watch him perform at his new weight,” said Rachel. “He’s totally ready to do this. He never cut back on eating. He’s been completely hydrated, no injuries in camp. It wasn’t like this in previous camps where he had to bring down his weight. After the weigh-in, he has his usual tour of Italy with lasagna and chicken parmesan. For dinner, he had his steak. On the day of the fight, he’ll eat whatever he wants.”

Donaire will wear blazing red trunks and black boots for the bout. “This is for peace and love all over the world, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner,” said Rachel. “Jun (Donaire) believes that love conquers all. He’s praying for world peace, for people not to be afraid to go out of their homes. We lost a dear friend, Ram Revilla, just before our wedding (last November). Charice’s father was stabbed to death. All this violence has to stop. Jun wants to deliver a strong statement of peace and love through his platform on the world stage.”

Donaire has a 27-1 record, with 18 KOs, compared to Vazquez’ 21-1-1, with 18 KOs. Both stand 5-5 1/2 but Donaire has a two-inch reach edge with a 68-inch wingspan. The most Donaire has weighed for a fight was 119 3/4 in stopping Paulino Villalobos in 2005. Vazquez scaled a career-high 134 in disposing of Cature Hicks in the first round in 2007.