By REYNALD MAGALLON
Nonito Donaire Jr. playfully acted like a jaded samurai fighter drawing his sword during the pre-fight press conference. He was also all smiles during the official weigh in.
The camp of the Filipino Flash was not exaggerating when it said that Donaire is feeling good about his World Boxing Association bantamweight title eliminator fight against Japanese Riku Masuda.
For one, the 43-year-old boxing great is emanating a positive aura, not minding the dangers of fighting a boxer 15 years younger than him.
“I feel amazing at the moment. My body, my mind, everything,” said Donaire ahead of the bout scheduled for 12 rounds at the Yokohama Buntai in Japan on Sunday, March. 15.
Both Donaire and Masuda tipped the scales at 117 pounds, well within the 118lbs weight limit for the fight.
But for the Filipino boxing great, the battle isn’t only about facing Masuda, but also defying Father Time as well.
Packing a record of 42 wins against nine losses, Donaire has the wealth of experience on his side but still comes in as the heavy underdog.
Many believe Masuda (9-1-0) has the speed and power to send the Filipino to his retirement.
Motivation isn’t lacking as well for the 28-year-old Japanese, as like Donaire, he is seeking another shot at WBA champion Seiya Tsutsumi who put the lone blemish to his record.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to face such a great boxer, and have a lot of respect for Donaire. But once I step into the ring though, I switch my mindset and focus entirely on the fight,” he said in an interview with The Ring.
