Donaire vs Vazquez

Donaire not taking Vazquez lightly

2012-02-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

Former IBF flyweight and WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. couldn’t care less about the odds in his 12-round fight against Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. for the vacant WBO superbantamweight title at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila).

Bookmakers installed Donaire a whopping 12-1 favorite to whip Vazquez but the Filipino Flash said
yesterday the betting line is inconsequential in focusing for a bout. Yeah, I heard about the odds, said Donaire in an overseas phone call from San Antonio. I don’t think about it. As long as I do my best, what I need to do to win, that’s enough. I’m very confident. Vazquez is a former world champion. He’s got two fists like me. He wants to win as badly as I do so I can’t take him lightly.

Donaire, 29, said his recognition as the world’s No. 4 pound-for-pound fighter behind Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Sergio Martinez is an honor but it won’t add to the pressure of trying to score a convincing victory.

There’s no extra pressure on me being the favorite,” he said. I’m coming prepared. I had an excellent training camp with five weeks of serious training. I sparred over 100 rounds, the most I’ve ever done for a fight. I never cut back on my eating. I’m on weight. I’m in great shape.

It will be Donaire’s debut in the 122-pound division. Vazquez, 27, scaled 125 for his knockout win over Mexico’s Roberto Carlos Leyva last October and went as much as 134 in stopping Cature Hicks in the first round in 2007. Vazquez lost the WBO crown to Jorge Arce on a 12th round stoppage in Las Vegas last May and came back to trounce Leyva who was coming off five straight losses. Leyva was halted by Filipino Z Gorres in Cebu City in 2009 so can’t be considered serious opposition. Vazquez reportedly had a problematic training camp because of weight issues.

I expect the worst of any situation,” said Donaire. That keeps me on my toes. Vazquez will come in bigger than me for sure. That’s why I went up against heavier sparring partners, Evgeny Gradovich and Javier Garcia, both lightweights. I wanted to get used to fighting guys with a bigger frame. Vazquez may be bigger than me but lacks experience. He’s not fast although I’ve seen guys weighing 130 to 140 pounds moving very well in the ring. I’m definitely quicker. I think his big punch is the right straight but I’m not worried about that. I can see that coming. He’s not overwhelmingly strong. He doesn’t have one-punch knockout power. His advantage will be size.

Donaire’s sparmate Gradovich, 25, is a Russian contender with an 11-0 record, including six KOs. Garcia, 22, is a lightweight prospect with a 7-2-1 record, including six KOs.

Asked who are the celebrities expected at ringside, Donaire said he’s just focused on the fight and avoids distractions. I’ve got my team around me, that’s all I know, he said. I’m going out there to win. There’s a lot I hope to accomplish this year. This is the first step.

Donaire hasn’t lost since his second pro fight to Rosendo Sanchez on points in Vallejo, California, in 2001. He’s won his last 26 outings to raise his record to 27-1, with 18 KOs. Donaire hasn’t tasted defeat in over 10 years. Nine of his last 11 wins came within the distance.

Vazquez’ record is 21-1-1, with 18 KOs. Two years ago, the Puerto Rican stopped Filipino Marvin Sonsona in the fourth round for the vacant WBO 122-pound belt. Vazquez’ father Wilfredo Sr., now 51, campaigned from 1981 to 2002, winning the WBA featherweight, WBA superbantamweight and WBA bantamweight crowns in compiling a 56-9-2 record, with 41 KOs. One of Wilfredo Sr.’s victims was Filipino Paquito Openo who capitulated in seven in Inglewood, California, in 1991.

So far, Donaire’s biggest wins were his knockouts over Vic Darchinyan in 2007 and Fernando Montiel last year. That’s the first time that I felt like I accomplished something in this game and I like it better every time, said Donaire, referring to his win over Montiel, in an interview with Boxing News editor Tris Dixon. Every time I step in that ring, I’m getting better and better and I know that’s a fact. I want to be better than I was and keep the momentum going. It’s beautiful. I feel great about the whole thing. I’m still motivated. I’m still hungry. I want to keep performing the way I am now.

As for his growing popularity in the Philippines, Donaire told Dixon he appreciates the recognition and it drives him to achieve even more for his country. I’m pretty well-known in the Philippines, he said. I walk around and they take pictures. I really appreciate that but I just want to keep doing it, keep getting bigger and bigger for the Philippines, for the fans and for myself and see where I can bring my skills, ability and hard work. I don’t really think about popularity. I just want to keep moving forward.

Original Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-66021.html
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com

DONAIRE - 121.6 LBS., VAZQUEZ JR - 122 LBS.

2012-02-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

Feb. 3, 2012, San Antonio, Texas --- (L-R) Superstar three-time world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire and former world champion Wilfredo Vazquez,Jr. weigh in (Donaire 121.6 lbs., Vazquez 122 lbs.) at the Alamodome in San Antonio,Texas, Friday for their upcoming world title fight, Saturday,Feb. 4, televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, All Star Boxing and Tecate, Donaire battles Vazquez Jr.
in this double-header blockbuster event and undefeated WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defends his title against Marco Antonio Rubio in the other main event.

Photo: Chris Farina - Top Rank.

Original Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-66032.html
By: Philboxing.com

Donaire arrives in San Antonio; Vazquez says weight will not be an issue

2012-02-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

San Antonio, Texas - Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. was is high spirits Monday afternoon upon arriving in San Antonio, Texas for his WBO super bantamweight showdown with Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr this Saturday at the Alamodome. Donaire is the heavy 7-1 betting favorite coming into Saturday's match-up. Vazquez, however, remains confident in his chances.

"The pressure is on Nonito Donaire," Vazquez was quoted by BoxingScene.com.

"I'm going to surprise everyone, even the people who want to see me lose. I am ready to prove people wrong," he added.

Vazquez, who is also already in San Antonio, also addressed some issues regarding his weight after coming in more than 4 pounds over the 7-day limit set by the Puerto Rico boxing commission. Vazquez assured that his weight is on point and weighed around 129 with 5 days still left to go before the fight.

Original Source: http://www.examiner.com/filipino-sports-in-national/donaire-arrives-san-antonio-vazquez-says-weight-will-not-be-an-issue
By Dennis 'D Source' Guillermo
Filipino Sports Examiner

Nonito Donaire fighting for another world title

2012-01-10T00:33:00.000-08:00

Former unified bantamweight champ Nonito Donaire (27-1, 18 KOs) is moving up in weight in search of another world title, when he takes on Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (21-1-1, 18 KOs) for the vacant WBO junior featherweight title on Feb. 4. Donaire's meeting with Vazquez will serve as the co-featured bout to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.'s title defense against Marco Antonio Rubio.

Already having held titles at flyweight and bantamweight, Donaire looks to become a triple-crown winner, after Jorge Arce, the man who gave Vazquez Jr. his first pro loss last year, vacated that very same title.

"It's a difficult fight because I'm facing a strong opponent who has the blood of a champion in his veins who will come with everything he has to show he's a world class fighter," said Donaire during Tuesday's press conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Due to promotional issues, Donaire only saw action twice inside the ring in 2011, having knocked out Fernando Montiel in Feb. of last year, followed by a lopsided decision win over Omar Narvaez to close out the year.

"We're trying to go up in weight and win world titles, but I also want to face good fighters to make memorable fights for the fans. I'm sure Vazquez and I will give everyone an exciting fight in this big card," said Donaire.

Vazquez of course, will look to regain the title he lost to Arce in May of last year.

"I think that the fight against Arce served as a learning experience for me and I know I'm taking on a great athlete in Donaire, but I have no doubt that I can win the fight and for that, I'll need to prepare myself 100% and that's what I plan to do," proclaimed Vazquez Jr., the son of the legendary Wilfredo Vazquez Sr.

HBO will televise both the Donaire vs Vazquez and Chavez-Rubio bouts.

Original Source:

Ramon Aranda, Oakland Boxing Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-oakland/nonito-donaire-fighting-for-another-world-title

Naturally bigger Vazquez won't be a walk in the park for Donaire

2012-01-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

As tickets for the WBO super bantamweight title fight between two juniors Nonito Donaire (27-1-0, 18 KOs) and Wilfredo Vazquez (21-1-1, 18 KOs) on Feb. 4 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas go on sale this Saturday, Filipino boxing fans wonder just what kind of threat the 27-year-old Boricua slugger poses. For starters, Vazquez won't be giving up anything in height compared to Donaire's previous opponents. Vazquez and Donaire are both roughly listed at 5'5 1/2 (after releasing a video I took on Donaire's actual height during his physicals, Boxrec.com corrected Donaire's height which was previously listed at 5'7).

Vazquez is a strong and explosive fighter, and is one
of the best conditioned boxers at the lower weights. He is definitely the naturally bigger guy as he has fought above 120 lbs. his entire career and held the WBO super bantamweight crown prior to losing it to Jorge Arce in an epic come-from-behind effort after knocking the Mexican warrior down in round 4. Vazquez was winning the fight up until Arce rallied in the championship rounds to force the Puerto Rican's corner to throw in the towel. Donaire will have his hands full in his first outing as a super bantamweight, and will have to find ways to open up Vazquez for his lethal left hook that will be the difference maker in this match-up.

The heavy-handed Vazquez has KO power in both hands as former super flyweight champ Marvin Sonsona found out in Feb. of 2010 when he suffered the first loss of his career after being punished with body shots. Whoever assumes that Donaire will easily run through Vazquez has no clue what they are talking about. If Donaire gets careless or doesn't come in with his "A-game", the hungry Vazquez can definitely make him pay. Donaire is shooting for his fourth division world title after holding belts at 112, 115 and 118.

-dSG-

Original Source:

Dennis 'D Source' Guillermo, Filipino Sports Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/filipino-sports-in-national/naturally-bigger-vasquez-won-t-be-a-walk-the-park-for-donaire

Buy Donaire vs Vazquez Tickets

2011-12-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

Donaire vs Vazquez Tickets. Nonito Donaire Jr., the reigning WBO and WBC bantamweight champion, is set to face Puerto Rican former champion Wilfredo Vazquez at the Theatre of the Madison Square Garden early next year 2012 more likely on February. The venue of the Donaire vs Vazquez fight might be on Madison Square Garden in New York. Since this might be a sell out match and maybe you want it to watch it live you can buy Donaire vs Vazquez tickets online for seat reservation. Though the Donaire vs Vazquez tickets not available yet on this time. We will inform everybody if the tickets for this fight is available.

Donaire (27-1, 18 KO) made his New York debut last
October 22 against super flyweight Omar Narvaez. Donaire is ranked number 1 in THE RING's bantamweight ratings and number 4 in the pound-for-pound ratings. Not really a fight I'd want to see for Vasquez Jr, especially at this stage of his career.

Buy Donaire vs Vazquez Tickets Here:

Vazquez (21-1-1, 18 KO) is not Narvaez. He is an exciting fighter with a good punch, plus he's Puerto Rican with a famous fighting father, so he would be counted on to bring in most of the fans for this one. This guy isn't a "midget" and he comes to fight. It'll be interesting to see if Nonito can keep his power and speed at this weight. And if he does keep his power, will it remain effective at 122. To be honest, there were some things that I saw in his last fight and training camp that got me thinking. Yes, he was still fast and strong, but not as he was before. Maybe it is just my eyes, but if not, let's hope it was due to the weight. Maybe he'll get it back at this weight class. Anyway, Vasquez is a durable guy and he'll take it right to Donaire. This should be interesting.

I see no way that Donaire vs Vazquez is a bad fight, and am very interested to see how Nonito fares against someone a little bit bigger opponent. Boxing fans, gear up and see you all at Madison Garden and buy Nonito Donaire vs Wilfredo Vazquez tickets for this fight so we can feel the excitement of this bout live.

Vazquez perfect match for Donaire

2011-11-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Former super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. is an ideal opponent for Nonito Donaire Jr. Vazquez is a good match for the “Filipino Flash" especially after Donaire’s unimpressive bout against Omar Narvaez. Top Rank is currently arranging the Donaire-Vazquez fight. The bout will be Donaire’s first in the super bantamweight level. Vazquez is the son of Puerto Rican boxing legend Wilfredo Vazquez Sr. Vazquez is perfect for Nonito. One thing about Vazquez is that he can bang and he has pop. It should be a good action fight. If the Donaire-Vazquez fight pushes through, it will be for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title. Vazquez, a 27-year-old Puerto Rican boxer, has a 21-1-1 win-loss-draw record, with 18 wins coming by knockout. He is
currently ranked number 9 in THE RING's super bantamweight ratings.

Donaire is ranked number 1 in THE RING's bantamweight ratings and number 4 in the pound-for-pound ratings. Not really a fight I'd want to see for Vasquez Jr, especially at this stage of his career. I'd have pursued an Arce rematch as soon as possible after the 1st fight because I'm 100% sure he'd have completed the job 2nd time around. But even with Arce looking to go down to bantamweight, there's still better fights for him than this; it kind of has the look of him being made a scrifical lamb.

He's too good for that IMO. I've actually said even after the Arce defeat that I could still see him being the future no.1 in the division. He's a skillful pressure fighter, similar to Montiel in that regard, and I would be very surprised if he didn't put up a much better effort than both Senchenko & el Cochulito did. I could see him picking up a few rounds working his way in behind his jab but in truth these type of opponents are the ones relishes so I can't look past him by late stoppage.

For Donaire I suppose it's a good introduction to the division if he's looking at a Nishioka fight next. I'd have like to have seen that fight straight away but Vasquez will be a live, decent opponent for him and is an improvement on the speaculation of an Arce fight I suppose. Donaire, the reigning WBC and WBO bantamweight champion, is moving up to the super bantamweight class in 2012. He recently defended his titles against Omar Narvaez of Argentina.

Donaire to fight Vazquez on February

2011-11-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

Nonito Donaire will fight Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. for the WBO super bantamweight title which abandoned by the Mexican warrior Jorge Arce. Donaire vs Vazquez will sometime happen in February next year. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, confirmed the title fight. Donaire, who married in a great church wedding to his wife Rachel on November 11 defense comes from a lopsided shutout of his WBC / WBO bantamweight against undefeated two-division champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina in the Madison Square Garden last October 22. While Donaire did entirety possible, the smallest Narvaez, who moved up in weight to take the fight declined to play a part, so disappointing for a fight despite HBO commentator and former pound for pound king Roy Jones Jr
praised by Donaire his skill and style and answerable for refusing to trade shots with Donaire.

27 year old Vazquez Jr won the vacant title with 122 pounds in the fourth round knockout of former WBO flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona last February 27, 2010 in Puerto Rico, but lost the crown in a stunning knockout Arce technician in the 12th assault on May 7 this year. Donaire, obviously having trouble making the 118 lbs limit, announced that it was up to 122 pounds and Arum, who had planned a fight against Arce and Japanese champion Toshiaki Nishioka next year, said he had collected since Arce Vázquez moved Indonesia Angy Angkota fight for the WBO bantamweight title vacant for Donaire.

Arums had planned before the Donaire fight stage in the first six months of 2012, with Arce and Nishioka as opponents and book a June 7 date for a possible title fight against the opponent in any of the spanking, new center Asia trade arena, which is still under construction. The 29-year-old Donaire the WBC / WBO bantamweight with a spectacular second round TKO of Mexican veteran Fernando Montiel with a cracking left hook which is considered likely that the knockout of the year.

Donaire is among the top five pound ring Journal ranking pounds behind compatriot Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. at number two. Donaire and Vazquez are skilled and exciting fighters and shock headline should draw a huge number of followers, but there is no indication so far which will take place.