FORMER five-division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, who leaves for Puerto Rico after one more 10-round sparring session on Thursday, said he is “physically and mentally stronger than ever before,” as he prepares to face World Boxing Organization super bantamweight No. 1-ranked Cesar Juarez in Puerto Rico on Dec.12.
“Everything has been great. I’ve worked hard and I am confident,” Donaire told The Standard/boxingmirror.com going into what is considered his most crucial fight after a crushing sixth-round loss to Nicholas Walters, to whom he lost his World Boxing Association featherweight title.
“I am excited after sparring 10 to 11 rounds three times a week with Fidel Navarette and Bowen. They are tough guys, who go right in front of your face,” said Donaire. “I am mentally stronger than I’ve ever been in my career. I am right there at the top of my physical ability.”
Donaire said: his game-plan is to put on an impressive performance.
“That’s what I am going to do,” added Donaire, indicating he plans to bring some Christmas cheer to his countrymen in the Philippines whom he plans to visit after the fight.
Earlier, his father/trainer Dodong Donaire said his son “is not the old Nonito. He is much better now. He is a better boxer, thinker and the power and speed are there.”