WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali 17-0 (12) will make the third defence of his title when he faces Filipino veteran Nonito Donaire 40-6 (26) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California o Saturday night.
The 38-year-old Donaire showed he is still world class in his last fight against WBA and IBF champion Naoya ‘The Monster’ Inoue 20-0 (17) in Japan in November 2019. Although he lost the fight by decision, Donaire gave the dangerous Inoue a real scare and was trailing by just one point on one of the judges’ scorecards. The bout was awarded Fight of the Year honours.
Oubaali is anticipating a tough fight.
“Nonito Donaire is a big name and he’s been a world champion in a lot of different divisions. He’s strong, but I know what he can do and I know what my strategy is,” the 34-year-old French southpaw said.
“I think we have similar styles, because we both like to stand and fight. He’s a strong fighter with a great technique, but I’m just going to do my best with whatever situations present themselves on fight night.
“My strength is being able to adapt to any style. I will feel the fight out. For me, boxing is like chess. Every time he makes a move, I have to counter it. I will respond to however Nonito comes forward and make the fight go the way I want it to.”
A victory for Donaire over the two-time Olympian would cap a remarkable career for the former five-weight world champion, who won his first world title against southpaw Vic Darchinyan 14 years ago.
“He’s very technically sound. You can’t underestimate a guy like him who has that amateur pedigree and who has worn that belt on his waist,” Donaire said.
“We are not underestimating him. He is smart and sound, but I have the experience, the power, the speed and all the motivation to beat him. I will be looking for the knockout like I do every fight.
“Of all of my losses, half of them were southpaws. I have learned a lot about southpaws during this layoff and I feel great. I feel like I could beat any southpaw at this moment.”
Oubaali is a $1.33 favourite to $3.20 for Donaire but the champion isn’t concerned about how the bookmakers frame the market.
“I stay focused on the fight. The favourite is whoever has their hand raised at the end,” he said. “I’m the champion and in my mind, I’m the best fighter in the division. I know why I came here, and that’s to get the job done. I came here to stay champion.
“I’m the best bantamweight in the world. I’m going to give a great fight on Saturday so that everyone knows.
“I want all the bantamweights to know that I’m ready for them. I want to fight the best. I’m ready for the winner of John Riel Casimero vs Guillermo Rigondeaux or Naoya Inoue.
“If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. I know that I’m the best. Now I need to win and show the world.”
