by Ronnie Nathanielsz

IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (19-1, 12 KO’s) is moving up to the super flyweight division after his showdown with mandatory challenger Moruti “Baby Face” Mthalane (22-1, 15 KO’s) of South Africa at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on November 1.

In an overseas telephone conversation with insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who handles Donaire said the champion was “coming along well” but pointed out that Mthalane “is quite good. This is not a walkover fight.”

Arum said the mandatory challenger is “a very good fighter who is very, very fit.”

Arum confirmed that should Donaire win and Mexican warrior Jorge Arce ((50-4-1, 38 KO’s) win the WBA super flyweight interim title in his clash with Isidro Garcia (25-5-2, 8 KO’s) he hopes to stage a Donaire-Arce showdown in the Philippines early next year in partnership with Solar Sports.

Donaire who will be featured in a conference call Wednesday (Manila Time) has often mentioned his desire to move up to the 115 pound division and take on fighters like Arce, WBO champion Fernando Montiel and Cristian Mijares.

Respected WBC ring physician Dr Allan Recto who was attending the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians annual medical seminar-conference at Bally’s Resort and Casino in Las Vegas watched Donaire spar at the Top Rank Gym and in an email to insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, said there were no signs of ring rust despite the fact that Donaire’s last fight in which he scored an 8th round TKO over Mexican Luis Maldonado was in December last year.

Dr. Recto said that from what he saw he expects Donaire to win “hopefully by another KO.”

He said Donaire “looked sharp” in sparring as well as working the punch-mitts with father and trainer Nonito Donaire Sr. Among his regular sparring partners is outstanding amateur lightweight Adam Fiel.

Dr. Recto noted that Donaire was “peaking at the right time and he is prepared. He’d be ready even if the fight is tomorrow.” He said Donaire’s confidence was “truly remarkable.”