‘Pinoy Flash’ Donaire: Bring on Montiel, Arce

After disposing of a “bloated" Rafael Concepcion Nonito “The Filipino Flash" Donaire declared his readiness to take on the likes of Fernando Montiel and Jorge Arce. “I’m definitely ready for the big guys," said Donaire, who won the WBA interim super flyweight title via a unanimous decision win over a “super bantamweight" Concepcion Sunday (Saturday night in Las Vegas) in the “Pinoy Power 2" card. “Cochulito" Montiel of Mexico is the reigning WBO interim bantamweight champ while fellow Mexican “El Travieso" Arce is a contender for the IBF super flyweight title. In his first fight above the 112-lb wars, Donaire took on a tough Concepcion, who weighed in at 119.5-lbs, more than four pounds over the limit. The fight could have been called off after Friday’s (Saturday in Las Vegas) official weigh-in but the 26-year-old Donaire still allowed the Panamanian, who paid a penalty of $13,000 for being overweight, to enter the ring. Concepcion, though, would not have been eligible to get the title had he won. On Sunday (Saturday in Las Vegas), the excess weight practically worked for Concepcion against the Filipino fighter known for his speed and KO power. “Malaki siya. Kung maliit (115 lbs) siya, mga first round, second round, wala na siya, kasi tinatamaan ko na siya. I was fighting a 122-lb fighter tonight," Donaire told GMA News’ Chino Trinidad in a post-fight TV interview. According to Donaire, he might have had the disadvantage in weight but his big heart carried him through. “I fought with a lot of heart knowing my opponent is 5 lbs heavier," said the Bohol-born fighter. “I’m a warrior and I’m dedicating this fight to (the late) President Cory Aquino so even if he weighs 20 lbs over, I’m still gonna fight him. I'm here to fight and give honor to my country." Seeing how he handled a “super bantamweight" foe, “The Filipino Flash" felt he could now challenge the top dogs of the 115 and 118-lb wars. “I want to test my skills with Montiel and Arce," he said. – GMANews.TV