By Ryan Maquiñana
Unbeaten bantamweight prospect Jundy Maraon has been cleared through customs and will make his long-awaited arrival stateside by the end of next week, according to his trainer, Nonito Donaire Sr.
“He’s already got his work visa from the U.S. Embassy, and his passport is all set,” said Donaire, who has steered his son Nonito Jr. and Marvin Sonsona to world titles.
As of the moment, Donaire Sr. is training his elder son Glenn, who is on the comeback trail and will reportedly fight on a Telemundo card next month.
The 26-year-old Maraon (15-0-1, 11 KOs), from Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, recently signed with Gary Shaw Productions, and his cornerman is expecting big things from his fighter.
“Jundy can really punch,” Donaire added. “I think he’s the next Filipino champ if he trains hard with me. He has power in both hands and very good speed.”
Serious swelling in his left hand reportedly led to Maraon’s current two-year bout of inactivity, which of at this moment now spans two years. Donaire insisted that his charge has put his injury-riddled past behind him.
“Yes, he was out for a while, but I think it’s just wrapping his hands the right way,” the San Leandro, Calif.-based trainer said. “I don’t think he’s going to have trouble with his hands. We just need to get him in here and start working again.”
Boxing correspondent Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Advisory Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at norcalboxing.net, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.