Nonito Donaire (Photo : Chris Farina/Top Rank)
Former five-division world champion, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire (35-3, 23 KO's) may have lost his spot atop boxing's pound-for-pound rankings in one of the quickest falls from grace in the history of the sport, but he's on a comeback trail that could ignite another lengthy title run should he get past his next opponent, number one ranked junior featherweight Cesar Juarez (17-3, 13 KO's) of Mexico City, Mexico.
At the Coliseo Roberto Clemente on December 11 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Donaire and Juarez will co-headline a main event featuring highly-touted prospect Felix Verdejo and Josenilson Dos Santos. This will be Donaire's third bout since losing to Jamaican featherweight sensation, Nicholas "Axe Man" Walters by devastating knockout last year.
Donaire is currently riding a two-fight win streak, with both wins coming by second round knockout. Now, the brash Filipino-American is looking for his third spectacular performance in a row, and will be seeking a title shot should he emerge victorious.
Admittedly, Donaire has not had the same fervor and enthusiasm in the past couple of years for the sport that made him famous. He has stated in the past that boxing was simply not a priority in his life, and it certainly showed in his performances.
In a press conference held in San Juan, Donaire expressed his return to confidence and a dedication to the sport that has given him a career.
"When I was down on the canvas in the Walters fight I thought to myself, 'This is a blessing.' It was a blessing because I had lost my way, not giving boxing the respect it deserves," said Donaire, reinvigorated and looking to make waves in his division.
"I was searching for something. I was unsatisfied. I went home and re-dedicated myself to the sport. I worked harder in the gym. I got out of bed early in the mornings and did my running. I went to a Tony Robbins seminar for motivation and then read the book, 'The Power of Habits'."
True to form, Donaire knows who he is and knows where his career stands. He knows that to get back to his former glory, he will have to put in the hours at the gym. Not only will he have to defeat Juarez, but he will have to do so spectacularly, like the old Donaire would have.
"I must win on Friday night. I am out of setbacks," said Donaire. "My opponent is a tough guy and he is hungry like a wolf. My job is to beat the wolf. He's actually ranked higher than me. He is No. 1 and I am No. 2."
At 33 years of age, Donaire is still in his prime, but has one foot out the door already. He'll turn 34 next year, and by then he would have been a professional boxer for nearly 15 years. Boxing is a young man's game and sooner or later, Father Time will come knocking.
Donaire however, remains defiant.
"I feel like I am 21 again. My speed has increased. I can feel my power is much stronger. My happiness is back. I had a great camp," said Donaire.
Does Donaire have what it takes to get back on top? Only time will tell. Juarez is but one obstacle in the way, and the only answers Donaire will be able to find is in the ring.
"I know what must be done. I must win."
