By REYNALD MAGALLON
When he’s happy, Nonito Donaire could be the most dangerous enemy one can face.
That’s what the camp of the Filipino flash feels like ahead of his title eliminator against Japanese contender Riku Masuda in Yokohama, Japan on March 15.
“I’m very motivated because this is not only the fight (I’m looking at). I’m aiming for something bigger in the future,” said Donaire during his media workout at the Yokohama Hikari Gym.
At stake in the contest is a chance to challenge current champion World Boxing Association (WBA) king Seiya Tsutsumi.
More than that, Donaire is seeking a chance for history — by becoming the oldest bantamweight champion. To do that, however, the 43-year-old veteran needs to survive Masuda, who like Donaire, is seeking a rematch against Tsusumi.
But his team is pretty much confident that Donaire has plenty of gas left on his tank.
“It’s a big possibility that Nonito will knock him out,” said Donaire’s trainer Gabriel Flores Sr.
“This is a whole different Nonito Donaire you’re going to see on the 15th. I think the biggest part is that he’s happy. We’re laughing. I mean, it’s a good time and we’re training hard and we’re really focused on it,” he added.
For Donaire, the difference at this point of his career is that there’s less pressure heading to the fight, allowing to be more relaxed and focused.
“I think the biggest difference is I’m enjoying my moments,” said Donaire, who is coming into the contest as the underdog.
“Before there’s pressure. There’s this expectation because of me, because of my name. Now this time, I’m just having fun and I know what I’m capable of,” he added.
“And I trust with confidence what I’m capable of. And because, you know, we brought it all out in the training camp.”
