Garcia: Donaire looking sharp

NONITO “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is very sharp and ready to put on a show when he goes after the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title against former champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas on Feb. 5 (Manila time) in a fight to be telecast live by ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Donaire’s trainer Robert Garcia, himself a former world champion, told the Manila Standard that Donaire was looking very sharp and ready to put on a spectacular performance.

“Donaire had different sparring partners that are heavier and stronger and he’s been able to spar very well against guys that are lightweights and junior lightweights and are not taking it easy,” Garcia revealed.

The trainer noted that undefeated Russian featherweight Evgeny Gradovich (11-0, 6 KOs) and Javier Garcia, the 22-year-old lightweight and trainer’s nephew, who has a record of 7-2 with 6 knockouts, have been working hard when they spar with Donaire.

“I’m hoping that Vazquez comes out with a good game plan because I don’t want the fight to be too easy,” said Garcia. “I’ve been watching tapes of Vazquez’ fights. He’s a fighter that became world champion, but is not very experienced (since he had no amateur background).”

However, Donaire’s trainer conceded that Vazquez is strong.

“He hits hard and is one of those Puerto Ricans that fights with pride and honor for his country, so he will be in good shape, but there are a lot of things I see that Nonito will take advantage of,” said Garcia.

While Donaire is comparatively slim, Garcia said “he is a couple of inches taller and then the reach will be much better for Nonito, but we are not taking this lightly at all because we know anything can happen in the sport. But I see a lot of things that will work for Nonito and should work out during the fight.” Ronnie Nathanielsz

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