CEBU, Philippines — Four-division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (40-6, 26KOs) said he has the needed tools to dismantle the undefeated Nordine Oubaali (17-0, 12KOs) of France.
Donaire is set to challenge defending champion Oubaali for the WBO bantamweight title this Sunday, May 30, in Carson, California.
At 38, Donaire reveals that he still yearns to be an undisputed bantamweight champion before considering retirement.
“I have a dream which is to be the undisputed bantamweight champion, and at 38-years-old I think I am capable of doing it. The first step is on May 29 against Nordine Oubaali, a good fighter, but he’s never faced an opponent like me, and then we are definitely going to pursue a rematch with Inoue and gather the rest of the belts,” said Donaire in a report by Miguel Rivera of boxingscene.com.
Feeling strong and sharp as ever, Donaire knows he can handle well and even knock Oubaali out.
“I feel good, at 38-years-old I have had to change some things, take good care of my diet, train much better, but if I continue to feel this way, I will be able to fight for 5 or 10 more years. I want to achieve many things, but first I have to show what I can do on May 29. We are ready to give a great fight and show that I am better than Oubaali. Without a doubt I believe that I am capable of knocking him out,” added Donaire.
A victory could serve as Donaire’s ladder toward a rematch with either Japan’s Naoya Inoue or Guillermo Rigondeaux.