Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Article Index
Donaire to defend championship belt
Page 2
All Pages

LOS ANGELES - Nonito Donaire Jr. is ready for his next and arguably biggest challenge.

The Filipino IBF Flyweight champion Donaire faces off against Moruti Mthalane of South Africa as a co-main event on November 1 featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Mthalane is the No. 1 contender and a mandatory challenger for Donaire.

"I’ve worked too hard to earn this title and there is no way I’m letting anyone take it away from me," said Donaire during a press conference announcing the fight at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Century City. "Mthalane is going back to South Africa without the only souvenir he craves most my world championship belt."

Mthalane (22-1, 15 KOs) will make his US debut. He’s undefeated in three years winning 10-bouts eight by knockout.

"This is my first fight outside of South Africa and I intend to make the most of it," said Mthalane, in a press statement. "I’m going to be in the middle of the ring.  Donaire will not have a problem finding me. Let’s see how he handles my pressure when he does."

Mthalane earned his first world title shot by defeating Hussein Hussein in a 12-round unanimous decision in July.

The 25-year-old Donaire (19-1 12 KO’s) known as the "Filipino Flash" has not fought since he defeated Luis Maldonado last December in Connecticut.

Fight fallouts, promotional gaffes and a lawsuit had delayed Donaire’s career, which appeared to be on the rise after his stellar knockout victory against Vic Darchinyan to capture the IBF/ IBO championship belts last year.

< Prev		Next >