This past Saturday, Nonito "The Fillipino Flash" Donaire pulled off what many considered to be a huge upset by knocking out Vic Darchinyan in the fifth round and capturing the IBF/IBO Flyweight titles. Upon his return home, Nonito spoke with FightHype.com about his spectacular one punch knockout, his future plans and much more.
CP: Thanks for taking time to speak with FightHype. Tell us about the punch that ended the fight with Darchinyan.
ND: I waited for that moment to come. In the first round, I hurt him with the same punch. In the third round, it was also the same punch that hurt him near the end of the round. So in the fourth round, I waited for him to hop and throw his haymaker, but it didn't happen. In the fifth round, however, that opportunity came when he hopped, leading with his jab and exposing his chin and trying to throw that big punch. I knew then that it was the perfect moment and I took advantage of that opportunity and landed that big shot that took him out.
CP: You seemed to beat Darchinyan every way possible. First you outtalked him in the pre-fight statements, then you outboxed him and ultimately, you knocked him out. Was it your plan to take his confidence away little by little like that?
ND: All I was trying to do was make a statement that I was not afraid of him or his punches. My main goal was to beat him and take the titles away from him and I didn't care much of what he said. My mind was set on beating him and I guess that intimidated the intimidator.
CP: Your comments about Victor Burgos and how you would have killed him, was that more to help hype the fight rather than poor sportsmanship as Darchinyan suggested?
ND: It was not poor sportsmanship at all, and I do apologize to those affected and offended by what I said; especially to Burgos for bringing his name up. My main reason was that I wanted to somehow announce that I was stronger than Darchinyan, that my power is something to be noticed and not to be underestimated.
CP: He asked for an immediate rematch. Do you feel that he deserves an immediate rematch the way the fight went down?
ND: Well he never really got the upper hand in any round. I outboxed him and outsmarted him and took the belts as a result. But it's not my place to say who I fight. I got to where I am now because I trusted my manager Cameron Dunkin and my promoter Gary Shaw and whatever they say, I'm game. In my professional boxing career, all I learned to do was get better and train as hard as I can and I left the decision to fight whoever to my manager and promoter.
CP: Have you heard anything about when you might be returning?
ND: Shaw said some time in December, but I'm not sure. I will be ready whenever they tell me.
CP: Some of the media have speculated whether or not you will remain a flyweight or if you're going to move back to 115. I know you have all your trust in your management, but what would you like to do?
ND: When I fought, I didn't feel drained or slow or tired. Even during the weigh-ins, I felt healthy and alert. I even felt much better at 112 than when I was at 115. I guess the reason for that is because I trained twice as hard and I was in much better shape at 112 because it's a must to train hard in order to obtain the 112 pounds, but I did feel much better at 112.
CP: Do you feel this victory will help your brother in his attempts to get more meaningful fights?
ND: I hope so. I have told my promoter to give my brother a chance to showcase what he's got. I, for one, am of the main believers that my brother has what it takes to become world champion. If given that chance at 108, I know he will do damage and obtain what I have obtained.
CP: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the President of the Philippines, congratulated you on your victory. How does it feel that you're going to be believed in more by the Filipino people now?
ND: It was a great honor to be acknowledged by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. To have the Filipino support is wonderful. I know a lot of Filipinos did not believe I was capable of beating Darchinyan, but deep down, I know they supported me and prayed for me and that was enough to know I was backed up by my fellow Filipinos. I guess not all really supported me though, but I hope that I have won them over with this victory.
CP: This victory was a breakout fight for you, where not only did you win a world title, but you put the world on notice to who you and the Donaire's are. Has it fully sunk in yet?
ND: When I think about how I won the fight and when I talk about it, that's when it really gets to me and sinks in that I'm a world champion now. But so far, aside from all the calls that I have gotten lately, I feel as though nothing has changed. But I know the waves are yet to come and everything will change, but I will remain to thank those who supported me from day one and they will remain in my corner as Team Donaire.
CP: Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
ND: I would like to thank God, for without my faith in Him, I would not have trusted myself as much as I did going into the fight. I would like to thank those who supported me. To my family, who worked things out through all the ups and downs in our journey to get to where we are now. To my E and J family, who taught me the importance and the meaning of family. To US Karate and Boxing, for all the support and love they have given me throughout the years. To the Filipino community, thank you for all the support. I am proud to represent the Philippines and I will always wear the Filipino flag proudly and with honor. Salamat po sa lahat, Mabuhay and Pilipinas!!
FightHype.com would like to thank Nonito Donaire for taking time for this interview.