Saturday night's fight (HBO, 10 p.m. ET) against Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title will be the first time Nonito Donaire fights at 122 pounds.
Considered one of the sport's top pound-for-pound fighters, “The Filipino Flash" says after having to put some strain on his body to move up from his previous weight class of 118, he's feeling great in this camp.
"I'm not even making weight," he explained. "It's actually almost at my walking weight. I feel great. It's natural for me to be in this weight. I'm very comfortable at this weight class. There are pros and cons in being comfortable. He's going to be bigger than I am in this weight class, but I know I'm going to be much more comfortable going into that ring because it's more of a natural weight."
After his knockout of the year win against Fernando Montiel on Feb. 19, 2011, Donaire's most recent fight was against Omar Narvaez on Oct. 22. Navarez went into a defensive shell and allowed Donaire to cruise to a unanimous decision victory that was high on ease, but low on action.
This time around, eager for a firefight, Donaire has an opponent in Vasquez, with 18 knockouts in his 21 wins.
"I think it's an exciting fight. If he comes out there and I come out there and we’re both engaged with our style, it's going to be fun,” Donaire said. “He's a strong fighter. I'm a strong fighter. I haven't proven how my power will be at this weight class, but I'm very confident in my power. It's going to be an exciting fight knowing that he has power, I have power and we're willing to engage."
Vasquez is also used to fighting at super bantamweight, but Donaire does not expect to have to make any changes to his action-packed style to deal with the size advantage.
"I think at this time, the difference [in size] is still not too significant,” Donaire said. “We're definitely going to do the same style that I always have. If he comes out different, of course, I'm going to be smart enough to change my style to my advantage. We sparred bigger guys this time. The guys I'm sparring are 130 to 135, just to get the bigger frame right in front of me and so far, my body has adjusted throughout the training camp. It was difficult at first, but as I was getting in better shape, I was more comfortable with a bigger frame in front of me, so I'm very excited and we're very confident for this fight."
Although this is his first fight at super bantamweight, Donaire's name is already a hot one with the division's best, as he has been regularly called out of late by those ready to test his pound-for-pound status.
"They're seeing a lot of opportunity with me, not only the name, but the person,” he said. “They want to take advantage of fighting Nonito Donaire. I've heard it. It's fun for me. It's fun to hear these guys calling me out and barking. It's funny, but we'll take them down one by one."
The first one he hopes to take down is Vasquez, who has only one loss on his record, and he plans to do it in explosive fashion.
"[The fans] are going to have two guys willing to engage with power and speed. It's going to be exciting. It could a chess match, but fast paced and I encourage everyone to watch it on HBO and if you're out there in San Antonio, come out and see an exciting fight."
