CEBU CITY – It is going to be his first world title defense but Filipino champion Nonito Donaire Jr. considers tonight’s bout simply as an activity to improve on his other weaknesses.
Donaire, 33, will stake his World Boxing Organization (WBO) superbantamweight crown against challenger Zsolt Bedak of Hungary in a 12-round bout tonight at the Cebu City Sports Complex here.
Donaire (36-3-1, 23 knockouts) said he wants to get another marquee fight sometime soon, particularly against IBF/WBA superbantamweight ruler Carl Frampton or one-time tormentor and former titleholder Guillermo Rigondeaux.
“I’ll be experimenting on the things where I lack. In the past kasi I had problem with boxers. You want to complete that weakness of fighting a boxer,” said Donaire “I want to ultimately face Frampton and Rigondeaux. Both are known boxers. So we want to test it out with Bedak who has an intensive amateur experience.”
The 32-year-old Bedak (25-1, 8 KOs) will be Donaire’s first foe since the Filipino Flash decisioned Mexican Cesar Juarez to capture the vacant WBO 122lb crown last December in Puerto Rico.
The Hungarian reached the round-of-16 during the 2004 Athens Olympics and has been a consistent figure of several international amateur tournaments before turning professional in 2006.
When told about Donaire’s treatment of their fight, Bedak in a way admitted he will be moving out of harm’s way for the most part but will certainly try to win the bout.
“I’m not here to just put my hands up and run around. I’m here to box and win the fight. If I’m going to box then I’m going to box but if I have to fight then I’m going to fight. Whatever it takes for the victory,” said Bedak.
Also seeing action in the undercard is ALA Boxing’s top young prospect Mark Magsayo who will be facing one-time world title challenger Chris Avalos of the United States in a 12-round battle for the vacant WBO International featherweight crown. (DENNIS PRINCIPE)