Magdaleno says it won’t go past eight

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten challenger Jessie Magdaleno is convinced his youth will be the key to overpower defending WBO superbantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. in their 12-round title bout at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 5.

Magdaleno, who was born in Las Vegas and is of Mexican descent, said in a YouTube clip that he doesn’t expect the fight to go beyond eight rounds. At 24, he’s banking on his youth as he is nine years younger than Donaire.

“I respect any fighter who steps into the ring and does his job,” said Magdaleno. “Donaire was the star in the beginning when I first started. But now, it’s my time to be the star. Anything is possible in the ring. It’s boxing. You’ll never know what will happen. From what I’m studying and looking at, it won’t go past eight rounds.”

Magdaleno said while Donaire is a strong fighter with a powerful left hook, there will be a new champion after their bout. “Donaire is still dangerous at his age,” he said. “But my youth will overpower that. It’s my first world title fight and it’s a dream for me to become a world champion.”

 Donaire turned pro in 2001, nine years before Magdaleno’s debut. While Magdaleno has youth on his side, Donaire’s advantage is his experience. Magdaleno’s record is 23-0, with 17 KOs and he’s never fought a 12-rounder. Donaire’s record is 37-3, with 24 KOs, and he’s fought in 21 12-rounders. In terms of total rounds, Donaire has logged 233 compared to Magdaleno’s 87.

Both fighters are checking in with new trainers. Donaire now works with Cuban Ismael Salas while Magdaleno has moved from Pat Barry, Augie Sanchez, Salas, Joel Diaz and now, Manny Robles. Magdaleno’s stablemate is WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez who will stake his crown against Japan’s Hiroshige Osawa in the Nov. 5 undercard. Valdez, 25, is a two-time Olympian from Mexico and has a 20-0 record, with 18 KOs. Valdez could be a future opponent for Donaire if the Filipino Flash decides to return to the featherweight division.

Donaire, 33, said it’s a blessing to be on the same card as Manny Pacquiao who will battle defending WBO welterweight titlist Jessie Vargas in the main event. It will be the first card ever featuring Pacquiao and Donaire. “It’s an honor for both of us to give boxing fans and the Filipino community a night to remember and enjoy,” he said in an overseas telephone call from his Las Vegas home. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m grateful for the chance to fight before Filipino fans.”

Donaire said while he’s not looking beyond Magdaleno, there are other fighters out there in his wish list. “You know me, I’ll fight anyone,” he said. “I want the best. After Magdaleno, I could go back to the featherweight division and fight Carl Frampton or Leo Santa Cruz. I’m open to anybody. If it’s (Guillermo) Rigondeaux, that’s fine with me. Let’s see what it takes and let’s make it happen. I don’t back down from anyone.”

Rigondeaux, 35, has a 17-0 record, with 11 KOs, and is the reigning WBA superbantamweight champion in the “super” category. In 2013, the Cuban got off the canvas to outpoint Donaire. Salas used to be Rigondeaux’ trainer and now works with Donaire. A unification superbantamweight championship showdown between Donaire and Rigondeaux could be a potential blockbuster since it will also be a grudge rematch.

Frampton, 29, unified the IBF and WBA superbantamweight titles on a split decision win over Scott Quigg last February then moved up in weight to beat Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz for the WBA featherweight crown in Brooklyn last July. The Belfast fighter’s record is 23-0, with 14 KOs. Santa Cruz, 28, suffered his first loss to Frampton and his record is now 32-1-1, with 18 KOs. Either fighter would be a prime opponent for Donaire but the marquee matchup would be against Frampton if the WBA featherweight title is on the line.

Donaire used to be the WBA featherweight champion but lost the title to Nicholas Walters in 2014. He then dropped down to the superbantamweight division and took the vacant WBO 122-pound crown on a decision over Mexico’s Cesar Juarez last December. Donaire stopped Hungary’s Zsolt Bedak in the first defense of the throne in Cebu last April. Donaire, who has won permanent and interim world titles in five divisions, will make the second defense of his WBO title against Magdaleno.

Donaire said he’s still not sure where to spend the coming holidays. If it’s in Manila, Donaire will be with his wife Rachel and their sons Jarel and Logan for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.