Boxer Donaire 'excited' about world-title shot

MANILA, Philippines – It’s time to see whether the light-flyweight territory is truly Glenn Donaire’s comfort zone. Donaire knows there’s a lot at stake in his second challenge for a world title, with a little bit of history and a little bit of family pride spicing up his duel with International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Ulises Solis on Sunday morning (Manila time). The 28-year-old US-based Filipino arrived in Hermosillo town in Mexico during the weekend, accompanied by father Nonito, younger brother Nonito Jr. and Nonito Jr.’s friend Rachel. Donaire said recently that he’s “a natural 108lb fighter", and that his lengthy experience in the 112lb division is something he and his dad claim to be their advantage over Solis, a knockout artist who sports a remarkable 26-win, 1-loss, 2-draw record. “I’m excited and I can’t wait for this fight," Donaire said. “It has been my regular division and it’s nice to go back fighting for a world title." If Glenn wins, the Donaires will be the first Filipino siblings to concurrently hold world titles. Nonito Jr., the younger of the two, is the reigning IBF flyweight champion. Donaire’s father said making the weight will not be a problem. “He was even chomping on a burger on the way [to Mexico]. He’s ready for this match. Let’s just hope we can get the job done and come out with the world-title belt." Donaire is the second Filipino boxer to figure in a world-title fight in the Mexico in the last four weeks. Florante Condes put his IBF minimumweight title on the line last June 14 in La Paz town in Mexico, but lost via split decision to challenger Raul Garcia. The card will be bannered by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., son of the Mexican ring legend who will face Matt Vanda of the US. The bouts will be shown on a slightly delayed basis on Solar Sports and RPN-9. - GMANews.TV