Donaire sets goal to be like Manny

LAS VEGAS – Nonito Donaire Jr. said yesterday his fight against Panama’s Rafael (El Torito) Concepcion for the interim WBA superflyweight title is the first step towards achieving his goal of becoming a multi-divisional champion like Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao and that’s why he can’t afford to lose.

Donaire takes on Concepcion at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino here tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila time).

So far, Donaire has won the IBF and IBO flyweight crowns, both of which he still holds despite moving up in weight to battle Concepcion. He said the decision to relinquish the titles or not is up to his manager Cameron Dunkin and his promoter Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Pacquiao has won six championships in six different weight categories and will become the only fighter in history to capture seven if he dethrones WBO welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here on Nov. 14.

“This is the beginning of my goal that I want to accomplish in boxing – to become a multi-divisional champion,” said Donaire. “So this is a very big step for me to achieve what I’ve set out to do.”

Donaire said he can’t take Concepcion lightly and described the Panamanian body puncher as a dangerous opponent because he’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“Concepcion is willing to try his best and take the punch,” he continued. “He has the heart to keep going and usually those are the dangerous guys because they’re willing to do anything they can.”

But Donaire insisted there’s nothing Concepcion can do to win.

“I feel good,” said Donaire on the eve of the weigh-in for the bout. “My weight’s good and I’ve trained really hard. With my new training, I feel I’ve gained more muscle mass so it feels like I’m still going down to 112. I do feel a lot better at 115. Definitely, the extra three pounds are a big help. I’m really confident. I’m out to use my speed and power to take care of business.”

Donaire, 26, said he’s definitely going for a knockout but if the complexion of the fight leans toward a war of attrition, a win by decision will be just as fulfilling.

“When I’m aiming for the knockout, it’s going to be power,” said Donaire. “When I’m aiming for a unanimous decision, it’ll be speed. Anything can change as the fight goes but I’m surely aiming for a knockout. In preparing for Concepcion, I didn’t really pay attention to his power and what he can do when reviewing tape. I mainly looked at his movements and flaws.”

As for Concepcion’s vaunted body attack, Donaire said he’s not intimidated. Concepcion, a durable survivor, was behind on points when he stopped Filipino prospect A. J. Banal with a brutal body assault in the 10th round in Cebu City last year. The victory proved Concepcion’s resiliency and never-say-die attitude. It was the same spirit that led Concepcion to a third round knockout over Jean Piero Perez last year after he went down twice in the second canto.

“Every one I’ve fought always bragged they’d slow me down with a body attack and a lot of them usually aim for my body so that’s nothing new to me,” he said. “I’m well prepared for everything he comes at me with.”

Donaire said working with Jonathan and Dodie Boy Peñalosa at the Undisputed Gym in San Carlos in the Bay Area was a blessing. He sparred with Filipino Glenn Gonzales and David Martinez to get ready for Concepcion. Adding strength and conditioning coach Mike Bazzel to his team was another positive in training camp.

“My sparring was just right, not too much and not too little, just the right amount,” said Donaire. “Mentally and physically, I’m prepared for this fight and I can’t wait to get in that ring. For (Vic) Darchinyan, I was about 70 percent. I didn’t have much sparring but I was physically in shape. For (Luis) Maldonado, I trained hard in that fight as well but I had to get acclimatized to three places – the Philippines, the West Coast then the East Coast. And I had a lot of things going on so I really wasn’t at my best. For (Raul) Martinez, I was really in shape. I trained six months so I had a lot of confidence going into that ring. The sparring, the training and even the mental aspect was good.”

Donaire demolished Darnchinyan in five, Maldonado in eight and Martinez in four. He said he expects the same abbreviated ending against Concepcion.

In the co-main event, Virac’s Bernabe Concepcion faces WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano in a much-awaited bout that was postponed last May when the titleholder pulled a back muscle running down a hill.

It is the first world title attempt by Concepcion who hasn’t lost in his last 22 fights. Luevano is making the fifth defense of the WBO crown he wrested from Nicky Cook two years ago.