Fernando Montiel Hopes Nonito Donaire Fight Comes Off

By Jhonny Gonzalez

WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel is ready for his next title defense. Montiel's return may be getting pushed from October 30 in Colombia to November 20 in Mexico. He was due to fight Eric Morel as part of the WBO's annual convention but Morel vacated his WBO interim title and withdrew from their contest. Montiel may face Alejandro Valdez, who nearly stopped the champion the last time they met in ring.

If Nonito Donaire beats Wladimir Sidorenko on December 4 and Montiel wins his next defense, Top Rank wants to have them fight each other in early 2011.

"I do not know yet who is the opponent, but we must do everything to leave with our hands raised and see if it is true that in February we could have a fight with Nonito Donaire," said Montiel. "I think it would be the best fight at this weight, even above anything the bantamweight tournament is doing."