NANGAKO si multi-division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. na muling magiging mabagsik ang kanyang mga kamao ngayong nagbalik siya sa bantamweight division para harapin si WBA 118-pound titlist Ryan Burnett ng United Kingdom sa quarterfinals ng World Boxing Super Series tournament sa Linggo sa Glasgow, Scotland.
Pitong taon na ang nakararaan mula nang huling lumaban si Donaire sa bantamweight division kung kailan tinalo niya via unanimous decision si two division world titlist Omar Andres Narvaez ng Argentina para maidepensa ang kanyang WBC at WBO 118 pounds title noong Okrubre 22, 2011 sa Madison Square Garden sa New York City sa United States.
“He’s a tough kid, a bit awkward,” sabi ni Donaire sa panayam ng BoxingScene.com.
“I’ve talked to him, even before the fight came in. He’s very respectful, a very good kid kid. But we’re here to get in there and square off.”
Ngunit naniniwala si Donaire na matibay sa ibabaw ng ring si Burnet na may kartadang perpektong 19 panalo, siyam sa pamamagitan ng knockouts at 26-anyos lamang.
“One thing I know is I’m not going to underestimate him, he’s a tough guy, he’s going to go in there with everything he’s got. He’s very crafty,” diin ni Donaire na 35-anyos na. “I think so, I think I’m back to being the devastating guy. I’ve always been devastating, even at ‘26, they fear my power.”
May nakatatakot na left hook si Donaire na nagpatulog kay Mexican Fernando Montiel sa 2nd round ng kanilang unification bout noong Pebrero 19, 2011 sa Las Vegas, Nevada.
“This is two divisions down and I know that I just have that punch in this division. I just have the scary punch and you just got to watch and see how it really plays out,” dagdag ni Donaire na may kartadang 38 panalo, limang talo na may 24 pagwawagi sa knockouts.
-Gilbert Espeña