Nonito Donaire: “We might fight Frampton, as well as Rigondeaux because he’s the number one in the division”

The ‘Filipino Flash’ Nonito Donaire is in the middle of a career resurgence. After a devastating stoppage loss to Nicholas Walters in October 2014, Donaire has come back to win three straight bouts and picked up the vacant WBO world super bantamweight title in his last ring appearance. Donaire now 33 years old, is looking to regain the biggest title he lost, that being the best bantamweight in the world.

In part 1 of this interview with Nonito Donaire, I discuss with him upcoming title defense against Zsolt Bedak and his thoughts on fighting in front of the Filipino boxing fans. I also get Donaire’s thoughts on his position in the the division and what his goals are for this year. Additionally, Donaire shares his thoughts on fighting Carl Frampton and having a rematch with Guillermo Rigondeaux. Here is what Nonito Donaire had to say.

Robert Brown: How are you doing today Nonito?

Nonito Donaire: Great, just heading to the gym to get a workout done. I feel amazing and blessed.

Robert Brown: You have a big fight against Zsolt Bedak coming up in The Philippines. How do you feel about the fight and how is the preparation so far?

Nonito Donaire: Right now we are just preparing mentally and physically. We’re starting to study my opponent but mainly going all out in the gym. Then going from there, we’re going to be putting everything together with my father in the gym and getting the sparring going. We’ll be good and ready, beyond ready.

Robert Brown: Is there anything Zsolt Bedak brings to the table that you have to be particularly mindful of?

Nonito Donaire: He knows how to box, he knows how to use his strategy, he knows how to use his intelligence in there. Those guys are always going to be a tricky person to go in there with. He had a lot of experience as an Olympian and also as well as having fought guys and being a top contender. He’s definitely a dangerous fighter and we’re not overlooking anything past Bedak. We’re focusing on Bedak and going to the next challenge after.

Robert Brown: You have a common opponent in Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. who you beat and he lost against. Does that give you any special confidence going into the fight?

Nonito Donaire: It’s a different fight with different circumstances. We all know that fights and styles make different fights between fighters. Some people make it easy, some people make it really difficult, while on the other hand it’s vice versa. We’re not looking past anything regardless of who he’s fought.

We know that his style is going to be out there and he’s going to try to use his speed and not get hit and come to hit me, and not get hit with the left hook. That’s pretty much the part that he’s going to do and we’re not looking past anything, we’re just studying him like he’s never fought anybody I’ve known.

Robert Brown: How do you feel about the strength of the super bantamweight division?

Nonito Donaire: I feel great in this division, I’m walking near the weight class and I feel strong. I got a lot of good fights in this weight class. We got Rigondeaux, Quigg, Frampton, Ruiz. We have a lot of guys in this division that will make it a fun fight to watch.

Robert Brown: Assuming you get past Zsolt Bedak, who would you want to fight next?

Nonito Donaire: We might just fight a guy who is holding a title, it could be Frampton, or anybody who’s fighting for a title or who’s holding a title, as well as Rigondeaux because he’s the number one in the division and we’re always trying to be number one.

Robert Brown: You would like to fight Guillermo Rigondeaux again?

Nonito Donaire: Definitely, I think that right now I’m a different fighter with a different mentality. Physically I am different, I feel great, I feel strong, I feel motivated, and I think that’s a big difference. Now I am better than better before. The motivation, inspiration, and the whole mentality is so much different.

Robert Brown: Do you feel that 122lbs is your best weight?

Nonito Donaire: It definitely is my best. I’m not big enough for 126lbs, I barely walk around at 130lbs. I was just pushing it because if I had the older style of being fast, it would be easier for me to fight at 126lbs because it’s hard to hit me, but it’s still bigger at that 126 level. Eventually my body will go up to it and I can put the put the time to gain weight so I’m comfortable at 126lbs and then we may move up, but for now this is the best weight for me as a fighter.