Magdaleno Hopes To See The Best Version of Nonito Donaire

By Steve Kim

On Saturday night from the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Jessie Magdaleno challenges Nonito Donaire for his WBO super bantamweight title.

At age 33, Donaire seems at least a couple of years removed from his best form - but the undefeated Magdaleno (23-0, 17 KO's) isn't expecting a worn down version of the 'Filipino Flash.'

Magdaleno says - "I'm hoping the best 'Filipino Flash', the one that he was years ago, that's what I'm hoping for because I don't want any excuses for this fight. I don't want him saying, 'Oh, I wasn't well-trained, I wasn't well-prepared for this.' It's your job, you're a professional athlete, you're supposed to be prepared at all times."

In his last two outings, Donaire (37-3, 24 KO's) struggled mightily with Mexicno's Cesar Juarez back in December in Puerto Rico, winning a hard-fought 12-round verdict for the vacant WBO title. Then on April 23rd, Donaire blew away Zsolt Bedak in four in the Philippines in much easier fashion.

"That's what I'm hoping for," said Magdaleno, who is now being trained by Manuel Robles. "I'm hoping for the best Nonito Donaire that night."

Donaire-Magdaleno is part of Top Rank pay-per-view card this Saturday night that features three other world titles fights on the bill - including the main event where Manny Pacquiao will attempt to capture the WBO welterweight title from Jesse Vargas.

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.