By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com caught up with Manuel Montiel Sr. at his son Fernando's media day for his showdown with Nonito Donaire that takes place on Saturday in Las Vegas. The elder Montiel serves as his son's trainer and manager.
Montiel has had trouble making the bantamweight limit and his father said he wasn't happy with this fight being at 118 pounds. "I didn't want this fight at 118. Fernando should be at 122 already."
When asked if that meant that Montiel was struggling with making weight his father told BoxingScene, "A little bit. Not too bad but this is it. No more fighting at 118 pounds after this."
Manuel Montiel feels that even though his son has won championships in 3 weight classes the best is yet to come. "Without question 122 will be his (Fernando's) best weight. Mark my words. You will see when he moves up."
The trainer also confirmed that if a rematch with Donaire takes place it will be at the junior featherweight level. He also said his son isn't stopping at 122. "A rematch would have to happen at 122. We will move to 126 before Fernando's career is over."
If Montiel wins titles at 122 and 126 pounds he will be the first Mexican to be a 5 division world champion.
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