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Since turning pro almost five years ago, Nonito Donaire has steadily made his way up the ladder and currently boasts a 13-1 (8) record after winning his last ten contests. Before embarking on a stellar amateur career that included two national titles and Junior Olympic gold at 106lbs, Nonito started boxing at age ten with his father as his coach and his brother Glenn Donaire is also an accomplished fighter. We were able to sit down with the 23 year old from San Leandro, CA and discuss his love for the game as well as his contest this evening for the NABF Super Flyweight title at 11PM EST on ShoBox against Kahren Harutyunyan, 13-2-3 (0).
SB: Nonito, congratulations on your upcoming title fight this weekend; how do you feel?
ND: “I feel good, I’m on weight and now just relaxing, hanging out getting ready for the fight.”
SB: You’re getting ready to jump up a notch in competition now and if you win the NABF title, you’ll be ranked and that of course sets you up for a shot at one of the big three belts. Are you ready?
ND: “I am. I’m always ready but I’m not going to over look Kahren. Even though he isn’t a big KO puncher and a lot of people tell me he’s not dangerous, he is a very smart fighter. Smart fighters can be the worst, you never know what to expect.”
SB: Smart words…you guys have some common opponents that you have both beaten. Have you studied the tapes and seen anything that will help you in the fight?
ND: “Well, I have known him a long time, we are friends outside the ring. I have sparred with him before so I know him pretty well.”
SB: With a record of only 13-1, you’ve had limited experience as a pro; how long do think it will be before you are fully ready for a major world title fight?
ND: “Hopefully by the end of this year. I want to have some more fights first you know? Like I said though, lets take care of this fight first. But I always feel ready. You have to be. You need to have confidence, you need to think that their is nobody out there who can beat you! You need this confidence to succeed in this sport. That helps you get ready for the next fight but again let’s go one fight at a time.”
SB: If you could pick a champion to fight tomorrow, who would it be and why?
ND: “We would go after the WBA Champ (Martin Castillo). Go for the weakest and then work your way around.” (laughs)
SB: You have had good sparring sessions with some world champs such as Joel Casamayor, Johnny Bredhal and Manny Pacquiao. Do you think that has helped you at all?
ND: “Well, yeah, of course just to know you can be in there and hang with those guys gives you confidence. It let’s you know your ready to move up .”
SB: Out of the three who was the toughest?
ND: “They were all tough; I mean, they were all champions but Pacquiao I learned a lot from. He does stuff that can confuse you. When you think he’s going backwards he’s coming forwards. Always punching, he is very busy.”
SB: You started out with Jackie Caylyn and now you are managed by Cameron Dunkin and promoted by Gary Shaw. Do you have a contract with Showtime or do you work with them on a fight by fight basis?
ND: “Right now, fight by fight. In the past I have taken a lot of fights on short notice. I have done well in all of them. I hope after this we work out something permanent.”
SB: At least you get to fight on national TV for a title, that helps give you more exposure.
ND: “Yeah, it does. This was last minute, too. Originally, this was to be for the NABO title that Kahren has, but for some reason at the last minute the NABO would not sanction the fight. I don’t know why? Maybe they want to keep their current champion. Who knows with these guys. Either way I’m going to do my job and win.”
SB: It sounds like a close family with your dad in your corner and sparring with your brother to get ready for fights.
ND: “Well, Glenn is older than me. He fights at 112lbs, mostly overseas. My Dad has always been there, he is very supportive. We will stay a team. He even gets in the ring and spars with me sometimes for fun.” ( laughs)
SB: No kidding?
ND: “Yeah, he is in great shape and we have a good camp but it’s just for fun, you know?”
SB: If I open up a magazine in two years and look at your name, what’s it going to say?
ND: “Hopefully it will have a “C” next to it.” (laughs)
SB: I hope so Nonito, thank you for your time today and we wish you luck Friday.
ND: “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
SB: Hopefully next time I talk to you I’ll be calling you “champ”.
ND: “Me too, but let’s just win this one first.”
