Donaire open to unify belts vs Ukrainian champ

MANILA, Philippines – WBA featherweight champion Nonito Donaire says he would welcome a unification bout against fellow champion Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine.

In an interview with boxingscene.com’s Luis Sandoval, Donaire had kind words for Lomachenko (2-1), an Olympic gold medalist who remarkably won the WBO featherweight title in only his third professional fight.

“He's (Lomachenko) a good fighter. He's a smart fighter. I mean, he knows how to win because he's one of the best amateurs; if not the best amateur. But that'll be a great fight [between me and him]. I would love to put our belts together," the Filipino-American said.

Lomachenko tried to win the world title in his second pro fight but failed when he lost to Orlando Salido via a split decision last March. The Ukrainian finally did it in his next bout, outpointing Gary Russell Jr. to achieve the rare feat.

Donaire, for his part, is still shopping for an opponent following his technical decision win over former champion Simpiwe Vetyeka in Macau last May 31. Also in his crosshairs are fellow titlists Nicholas Walters and his former stablemate Evgeny Gradovich, who hold the WBA regular and IBF versions of the crown, respectively.

He insists on a unification bout, ruling out any tune-up fights.

“When I came up to 126, I didn't have a tune-up. When I came up to 122, I didn't have a tune-up. When I went up in weight to 118, I didn't have a tune-up. If there's a challenge there, I'll go for it. I'm always willing to fight anybody,” Donaire stressed.

“We want to get another title match. Either defend the title or fight another champion. I'm always the type of fighter that will challenge other champions out there. If I'm in that division, I will challenge you,” he ended.