By Rey Danseco
ANOTHER Filipino fighter has given a chance to become a world champion.
World rated Glenn “Filipino Bomber” Donaire will try to end the four defense/eight-stoppage win streak of unbeaten champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (26-0, 21 KOs), when he they face off for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization flyweight titles on October 7 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The fight will be the co-featured bout on the Showtime-televised card where the rubber match between World Boxing Council lightweight king Diego "Chico" Corrales (40-3, 33 KOs) and Joel Casamayor (33-3-1, 20 KOs) takes place in the main event.
A formal press conference announcing the card is scheduled for Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines) at host site hotel where Donaire, his father-trainer Nonito Donaire Sr. and brother Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. are expected to grace along with the Team Darchinyan.
The 26-year-old Donaire is a hand-picked challenger for Darchinyan, who originally plan to pit in a unification fight with World Boxing Organization champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina. But the Argentine champion has changed his mind and opted to stay home after retaining the title with unanimous decision over Filipino challenger Rexon “Ang Pison” Flores on August 5.
Donaire is ranked No. 15 contender of Darchinyan but he’s rated No. 2 in the world by the WBO and No. 8 by World Boxing Association. The World Boxing Council ranked him No. 18.
Donaire has scored a 3-0-1 record since suffering a first round technical knockout upset at the hands of compatriot Z Gorres on the first fight between Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao on March 19, 2005 in Las Vegas.
The Filipino challenger is familiar with Darchinyan’s style after he watched the Australia-based Armenian demolition of another Filipino challenger, Diosdado Gabi on March 3 in Santa Ynez, California after he figured in majority draw in a six-round fight against Jose Albuquerque earlier in the undercard.
Donaire is convinced that he can beat the 30-year old southpaw champion and told his manager Cameron Dunkin he wanted to face Darchinyan.
Donaire is currently the WBA and WBO’s regional flyweight champion in America. The Donaires are based in San Leandro, California by way of Las Pinas City, Metro Manila.
The younger Donaire may also be included in the card. The Filipino Flash (15-1, 9 KOs) is the reigning North American Boxing Federation super flyweight champion.
