FIVE-DIVISION world champion Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. arrived at the Venetian Macau in Macau, China together with other protagonists who will strut their wares in the Top Rank Promotions fight card on Saturday night.
Donaire, who has a record of 34-3 (win-loss) with 22 knockouts, will battle French Anthony Settoul (20-3, 8 KOs) for 10-rounds.
The main event will be between Chinese sensation Ik Yang (18-0, 13 KOs) and César “El Distinto” Cuenca (46-0, 2 KOs). They will battle for the vacant IBF World super lightweight title.
Donaire wrapped up his training here in the country, some of which were held here in Cebu at the ALA Boxing Gym in Talamban under the supervision of his father and trainer, Nonito Donaire Sr.
This will be a crucial fight for Donaire after Top Rank’s Bob Arum recently announced that he will give the former a world title shot if he prevails on Saturday night against Settoul.
Donaire’s world title shot will be against WBA Super Bantamweight champion Scott Quigg (30-0-2, 22 KOs) later this year.
Quigg is set to defend his title also on Saturday against Spain’s Kiko Martinez (32-5-0, 24 KOs) at the Manchester Arena, Manchester, England.
Donaire’s most recent bout was last March in Metro Manila, where he snatched the vacant NABF super bantamweight title against an unheralded opponent, William Prado of Brazil via a resounding second round technical knockout at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
His win against Prado served as his comeback fight after losing his WBA Super World featherweight title to Nicholas Walters last year in the US.