Unbeaten Jamaican a big test for Nonito Jr
CARSON, California—When Nonito Donaire Jr., climbed the weighing scale Friday at StubHub Center concourse, he was in loose boxer shorts. He had a pale skin. Not much muscles. Narrow shoulders. And thin bones.
“Nonito Donaire, 125.6 pounds,” barked Michael Buffer as a large group of fans cheered the four-division champion.
Then Nicholas Walters came up. He tipped the scale at the exact same weight. But he was different. He sported a scowl. Cornrows. Well-defined pectoral muscles. Bulging shoulders. And an eight-pack abs.
“Oh my God,” some members of the crowd were overheard saying, visibly stunned by the Jamaican’s sheer size. “He’s scary.”
They didn’t have to hear Walters’ threat to destroy Donaire in five rounds of sooner. He looked intimidating enough.
But not for Donaire’s camp, of course.
“You can’t win by power alone, in boxing you have to use your brain,” said Donaire’s father, trainer and namesake.
An overwhelming majority had predicted that the 12-round title fight on Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila) will end via knockout, including Donaire Jr., Walters and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum themselves.
Donaire will rely on his 13-year experience and championship class. He has never been knocked down though he has lost twice in his career. He has also faced the most fearsome fighters around like Jorge Arce, Fernando Montiel, Vic Darchinyan. All in their prime.
For most of his victories, Donaire displayed classy moves, quick reflexes, and a wicked left hook.
“Yes, he is a good fighter. Scored good fights. But not in the featherweight division,” said Walters, a natural fighter in the 126-lb division.
For Walters, Donaire is in the wrong neighborhood, having crossed the boundaries from flyweight and picking up titles on the way up the featherweight division.
“I hope Nonito comes out right like what Sr. says, because I’m looking for a beautiful fight,” said Walters who is making his debut in HBO boxing.
Nonito Sr., said his son has rediscovered his touch. The quickness, busy punching and patience are all back. He said Donaire finished two-month training camp in Oakland without the distraction of injuries and domestic chores.
“I can see in his eyes how much he wanted to bring the old touch back,” said the father.
