Nonito Donaire Cutting Weight Much Easier Now

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Five division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire who was initially struggling to reduce weight says his  body is “now adapting after doing it for quite a while and the weight is coming off easily.”

Donaire who is returning to the super bantamweight division where he was named “Fighter of the Year” after four rousing victories over some of the best champions in the 122 pound division told BoxingScene.com/New Standard/Viva Sports that “in the beginning weight was a little bit difficult to shed because I’ve never gone down below 130 pounds a month before a fight as my body was reacting differently.”

But now that he’s been doing it for quite a while its much easier although Donaire conceded that “there’s always a problem  making the weight. I thought it was going to be hard in the beginning because my weight wouldn’t go down below 130 but now I’m walking around at 128 and I’m pretty good.”

The popular fighter was enshrined in the prestigious "Flash" Elorde Hall of Fame alongside WBO light flyweight champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion on Wednesday night at the Annual "Flash" Elorde Banquet of Champions at the historic Manila Hotel.

Donaire who will be fighting at the Smart Araneta coliseum after six years following a smashing 4th round TKO victory over previously undefeated Raul Martinez said “we are ready and have worked very hard for this fight and sparred well.”

He said he is “mentally and physically prepared and very excited to fight in front of the Filipino people.”

Donaire said he had watched some tapes of  his Brazilian opponent William Prado and noted that he “did the same thing over and over again but he’s really rugged and a tough guy with good power. “

Donaire added “He’ll wear you down and try to take you out but we are well prepared.”