By Jhonny Gonzalez

WBC and WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel is ready for the challenge of Nonito Donaire. The fight is tentative for February 19 on HBO. Montiel will have a tuneup against Eduardo Garcia this Saturday in Mexico. He is crossing his fingers that nothing prevents the Donaire fight from moving forward.

"I've tried to fight him for years. I hope this time he doesn't back out. He always agrees to fight and when the time comes, he backs away. I hope this is the final time and it happens," Montiel told David Kaufman. "There is no doubt that Donaire is a world class fighter and I've challenged him for years and, well, it seems that now he might be serious."

Besides Doanire, the unified champion from Mexico is not overlooking this Saturday's opponent. He is not going to allow any possibility of an upset. After the fight with Donaire, Montiel still wants to face IBO champion Vic Darchinyan.

"I do not know much about my opponent, but I will not underestimate him. I have prepared thoroughly because I don't want any surprises. I know that if I come out unscathed on Saturday, 2011 can be one of my best years - because after I beat Donaire - then I'm going to do everything to get a fight with Vic Darchinyan, who also spent years hesitating," Montiel said.