Walters vows to take Donaire’s title, fans

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito Donaire’s upcoming opponent is oozing with confidence that he promised to become the undisputed WBA featherweight champion after their fight at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on Sunday.

WBA “regular” world champion Nicholas Walters vowed to seize not only Donaire’s “super” title, but his fans as well.

In a report by Damian Calhoun of the Los Angeles Register, the undefeated Walters acknowledged Donaire’s home court advantage on Sunday, with the Filipino-American fighter residing in the nearby city of San Leandro.

But that would hardly matter after the opening bell.

“He’s going to have his crowd, but at the end of the day, there will only be Donaire, myself and the ref in the ring. He can’t run to his coach or his fans once we’re in the ring,” Walters said.

“His fans are not going to help him. I’m not worried. His fans will be my fans at the end of the fight,” added.

The Jamaican fighter is undefeated in 24 bouts, and he brings with him his remarkable punching power. Of Walters’ 24 wins, 20 came by way of knockout.

“My style is original. I was blessed with talent and power,” he boasted.

Walters earned the right to challenge Donaire after shining in the undercard of the latter’s title-clinching win over Simpiwe Vetyeka in Macau last May. Defending his belt against former champion Vic Darchinyan, Walters impressed with a fifth round knockout win, decking his foe a total of three times in a fine display of punching power.

Walters eyes to do the same to Donaire, who defeated Vetyeka in the main event of the card to clinch the WBA “super” world featherweight crown.

“I’m planning on taking the super title back home with me. I’m going to be smart. I know Donaire is a smart fighter, he was fighter of the year (2012) on one occasion,” he said.

“He’s been in the business a long time, but I’m going to do what the Axe Man does best and that’s knock people out,” Walters ended. – Dino Maragay