By Ryan Burton
Nonito Donaire talks to BoxingScene.com about his upcoming bout with Hernan "Tyson" Marquez that takes place on Showtime on July 10th as the co-feature to Juan Manuel Lopez-Bernabe Concepcion in Puerto Rico. Donaire touches on a variety of topics including the failed negotiations to make the highly anticipated rematch between himself and Vic Darchinyan. He also talks about having a showdown with Fernando Montiel at 118 lbs. before shooting up to 122 lbs. where he feels he will be stronger. See what else the Filipino Flash had to say in this exclusive interview.
BoxingScene.com: First off give us your thoughts on your upcoming fight with Hernan Marquez.
Nonito Donaire: We are ready. I am very confident. We trained really hard and we are ready to go. We feel like we have a lot of power. We are building a lot of power, a lot of stamina and a lot of speed so no matter how many rounds it takes we will be confident.
BoxingScene.com: Did you watch his fight with Richie Mepranum on the Pacquiao-Clottey undercard?
Nonito Donaire: I didn't see the fight but my guys Jonathan Penalosa and Robert Garcia have watched it. They are making the fight plan off of that and other things. I myself didn't see it expect for bits and pieces when they were watching it in the room.
BoxingScene.com: Originally you were set to fight a rematch with Vic Darchinyan on August 21st. He had been calling for a rematch for quite some time. It seemed like you guys had a deal then it fell apart. What exactly happened?
Nonito Donaire: It was them. I stayed at 115 (pounds) for the longest time hoping we could make the fight happen and the fight was already scheduled for August 21st. When I came in to sign the contract, on that very day that Top Rank flew us in, Darchinyan decided not to fight me so I don't know. I gave him the opportunity to fight me. A chance to have his rematch with me and to once and for all settle it but he didn't want to do it so I had to move on. August 21st was already set.
BoxingScene.com: When we spoke last you said you wanted to try to be a five division champion. You wanted to get belts at 112 through 126. How frustrating is it for you in that it is getting harder to make 115 and then when you have an opportunity to fight for a belt at 115 it falls through?
Nonito Donaire: It is frustrating. I am just disappointed that we had made the fight happen and Showtime had fully agreed to it and had already helped put the promotion together. I am ready to move up in weight and start gaining more titles if I can. This time around I did my part in giving him the rematch and they didn't want to take it so this time I can say you had your chance, if you want to make it happen then make it happen but I am not going to wait for you guys any longer. I am going to try to see what I can get at the 118 and 122 division.
BoxingScene.com: When the year started you wanted to get four fights in this year. This will be your second fight of the year and it looks like you can get three in. Is that the new plan?
Nonito Donaire: Probably. If I get three or four I will be happy. I wanted to do four but if it is not possible I will be happy getting three.
BoxingScene.com: Assuming you win this fight is the plan for you to fight your friend Fernando Montiel in the fall or early winter?
Nonito Donaire: We do want to make that happen. That is a big fight and I think it is good for boxing. It shows that fighters are willing to fight the best out there. That we will fight the best fights we can and I am pretty sure Montiel will take the challenge.
BoxingScene.com: Hernan Marquez obviously wasn't your first choice to face in a fight. That being said are you planning to make a statement on your return to the Showtime network?
Nonito Donaire: I think so. I want to show the people at Showtime and all the viewers my skills and my ability. I want to show them I am here and I want to stay here defeating challengers and champions. I want to make a statement in terms of showing them my ability.
BoxingScene.com: Give us your thoughts on the main event between Juanma Lopez and Bernabe Concepcion.
Nonito Donaire: I think it is a great fight. I think Bernabe has a good chance to beat Juanma but of course Juanma is fighting in his territory and he will be confident. He is at home so that is a disadvantage for Bernable but I think Bernabe's power and if he keeps up the pressure and does what he needs to do he has a chance to win. Again Juanma is in his territory and will be comfortable and do everything he can to defend his belt.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Nonito Donaire: I just want to thank everyone for all their support throughout. Keep up to date and I will do my best to keep everyone informed and do my best to keep winning. You can follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/filipinoflash and Facebook at
. Thanks again for all the support. This is for all you guys.
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