Kumpiyansa si Mexican-American Jessie Magdaleno na madodomina niya si Pinoy WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. na binansagan niyang laos.
Nakatakda ang duwelo ng dalawa – isa sa limang supporting bout sa laban ni eight-division Manny Pacquiao at WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas ng Mexico – sa Nobyembre 5 sa Thomas & Mack Center sa Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ito ang unang world title bout ni Magdaleno at malaking pagkakataon ang ibinigay ng kanyang promoter na si Top Rank big boss Bob Arum dahil ang sagupaan nila ni Donaire ay tiyak na dudumugin din ng boxing aficionado.
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Tangan ni Magdaleno ang perpektong 23-0 karta, tampok ang 17 sa pamamagitan ng knockouts at malaki ang kanyang paniniwala na malaki ang ipinagbago ng kanyang estilo sa ilalim ni Mexican trainer Manuel Robles.
Ayon sa 24-anyos na si Magdaleno, malayong-malayo na si Donaire sa dating tikas na nagbigay sa kanya ng pound-for-pound title na kinatakutan sa lower division.
“I think Nonito is no longer in his prime. He’s a little old at nearly 34-years-old. He’s been in a lot of wars,” pahayag ni Magdaleno sa panayam ng ESPN Deportes.
“Nonito is a fighter who still has the punching power, but he will face a young fighter who will be ready - with quick reflexes, speed, punching power. I don’t think it’s going to be his night, it’s going to be mine - because I feel for this fight I’m coming in there at my best, it’s the perfect time.”
Iginiit ni Magdaleno na makatutulong din sa kanya ang boxing fans sa Las Vegas kung saan siya nakabase ngayon.
“It’s a dream come true. I am proud to be from Las Vegas, where we will fight for the world championship. I grew up there, my wife is from there, my son is from there. It’s definitely a good feeling,” sambit ni Magdaleno.
“I think Manuel Robles is getting the best of me. We’ve been working very hard and I feel very good. Maybe he thinks I’m going to come out there fast and he’s just going to knock me out, thinking I’m a novice - but I’m not.”
May kartada si Donaire na 37-3-0, kabilang ang 24 TKO at sinasanay sa kasalukuyan ni Cuban coach Ismael Salas at nangakong magbabalik sa featherweight division kapag matagumpay na naidepensa ang WBO super bantamweight crown kay Magdaleno. (Gilbert Espena)
