New York – Filipino southpaw Nonito Donaire, on a 25-fight win streak that has lasted a decade, defends his world bantamweight titles against unbeaten Argentine southpaw Omar Narvaez on Saturday.
Donaire, 26-1 with 18 knockouts, makes his first defence of the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization crowns he won last February with a second-round stoppage of Mexico's Fernando Montiel in Las Vegas.
“My power has increased tremendously,” Donaire said. “We are going to concentrate on that area like Jack Dempsey did and Mike Tyson did. The fight can end in one punch.
“I always believe my power is enough to change a fight. The most satisfying victory is a knockout victory but if I don’t get it I am ready for 12 rounds.”
Narvaez, 35-0 with two drawn and 19 knockouts, is a former world flyweight and reigning super flyweight champion like Donaire. He has won 21 fights in a row since a 2003 draw with Italy's Andrea Sarritzu in his rival's homeland.
“He is a champion and a legend in Argentina,” Donaire said. “He's an incredible fighter.”
Narvarez, making his US debut at age 36, gives up eight years to his Asian rival and is stepping up in weight class to the 118-pound division to face Donaire, who sees his height and reach advantages as minimal edges.
“My punches are going to be more devastating,” Donaire said. “It’s not about the size. If you’re a better fighter, you can beat anyone. It's all natural ability. Size only matters a little bit. It’s just the best man wins.”
The “Filipino Flash” says this will be his last bamtamweight fight before moving up to super bantamweight.
“Making 118 is difficult,” Donaire said. “The last two fights, it was easy but with my workout routine I have increased my muscle mass. Tests have showed that it has increased from the last fight to the Montiel fight to now.
“We want to be healthy and be at our best so we are looking forward to 122.”
Robert Garcia, Nonito’s trainer, respects Narvaez but expects his man to seize control after taking a round or two to analyze his South American foe.
“He is a hell of a fighter,” Garcia said. “He knows how to take a fight into the later rounds and I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s going to try and do.
“But once he gets in the ring, Nonito's power, Nonito's speed, Nonito's footwork is going to show a big difference.
“He is going to go out there and prove to everybody he deserves to be where he is at right now and that is a top pound-for-pound fighter.”
Donaire and Garcia have studied video of Narvaez and are ready for a tactical fight or a slugfest depending on what develops.
“It's like a chess match with me,” Donaire said. “If you make a false move, or an error in trying to hit me, make sure you get your hands where they are supposed to be or I will make you pay. That’s the bottom line with me.” –Sapa-AFP