By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has informed us that the title defense of IBO/IBF flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire has been postponed by one week, from March 15 to 22.

The world championship double-header to be staged at the Araneta Coliseum, acknowledged as the “Mecca” of Philippine sports and entertainment will be headlined by Donaire’s title defense against Raul “The Cobra” Martinez who is ranked No, 2 super flyweight by the IBF but, according to Arum “has accepted the fight and is coming down from 115 to 112 to challenge Donaire.”

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Championship Committee chairman Lindsey Tucker told insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that the IBF “would approve the Martinez fight if he can get down to 112 since D Donaire is on an optional period.”

In the other title fight former WBC light flyweight champion Brian Viloria battles current IBF champion Ulises Solis of Mexico in the blockbuster card to be telecast by Solar Sports.

The 27 year old Martinez of San Antonio, Texas. is undefeated with a record of 24-0 including 14 knockouts and is conceded to be a tough fighter and a worthy challenger although Donaire disclosed that he had beaten him in their only meeting as amateurs in the US Olympic trials for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games where Viloria was selected to represent the US.

In his last fight Martinez scored a knockout over Victor Proa (26-0, 19 KO’s) at 1:08 of the first round to retain his International Boxing Association super flyweight title last November 14.

Reporting on that fight boxing writer Jake Donovan said the battle of the unbeaten super flyweights “turned into a slaughter” as Martinez needed just 68 seconds to snatch the “0” from poised Mexican banger Proa.”

Donaire has described Martinez as a good fighter with speed and power and a future prospect but believes he has a decided edge over the challenger.

WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa who is training alongside Donaire in their Baguio City training camp told us that no flyweight or super flyweight in the world, including WBC/WBA and IBF champion Vic Darchinyan can beat Donaire on his present form which he said was “amazing.”

Donaire won the IBF/IBO flyweight titles with a sensational one-punch KO of Darchinyan on July 7, 2007.