World IBF flyweight champion "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire sat down with Liverpuncher.com to talk about his next fight against Fernando Montiel, how he got started in boxing and the tricks Manny Pacquiao has taught him to be successful in the ring. Plus we have included clips of some of his fights so you can get a view of him in action.

Whats new Nonito, what’s the next big fight you will have.

Well right now I’m just relaxing, letting my hand heel from my last fight.  I hurt it in the second round ,but I just kept fighting.  Looks like my next fight will be in March with Fernando Montiel. He is ready to go, there are no objections from my side I’m just waiting for my promoter.  I let them do what they need to do and as long as they let me know with enough time to prepare for the fight, I will be ready.  Montiel is a great champion who throws good body shots but I believe that the better opposition the better I fight.

How did you start in boxing?  Did you have an extensive amateur background?

Yes, I started when I was about 10 years old.  I entered into many tournaments and won many of them so my dad suggested that I continue.  So I tried out for the Olympic team and lost in the finals against Brian Valoria.  Many people thought I won, but its ok.  From that loss, it just made me work harder.  Made me realize that no one will give you anything and you have to work hard for it.  So I turned pro and just kept on winning.

What was it like beating Vic Darchinyan?

The victory was something I will never forget.  It was an amazing experience.  But I still have to beat the guys that he beat.  I feel like deep inside I can beat them.  I think I can beat guys like Mijares and Montiel, I just have to prove it in the ring.

Donaire vs Darchinyan

After watching Manny Pacquiao beat Oscar De La Hoya what were you thinking?

It was the best fight I have ever seen.  I’m a fan of both fighters but Manny put on quite a show. Him and Freddie put the best game plan together and Manny executed.  It was just tremendous to see how his speed was too much.  That fight was the crowning of the king!  

Since you were born in the Philipines and grew up in the Bay Area, do you think that Pacquiao’s win will cause more Filipinos to want to enter boxing?  

The talent is already there.  There are several good Filipino fighters.  We just need to get the exposure.  Hopefully we can get to the level of exposure that the Mexicans vs Puerto Ricans get. Manny Pacquiao has taught us that there are no boundaries and anyone can do it.  He is a symbol of our success.  I have spared with him several times before his fight with Ledwaba and he taught me how speed can kill.  I plan to train with him again in the future.

Thanks a lot for your time Nonito, we look forward to seeing you again in the ring.  

No problem thank you and all the boxing fans on Liverpuncher.com