Donaire says Horn not in Manny’s class

MANILA, Philippines -  Former five-division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. said yesterday Australian challenger Jeff Horn isn’t in WBO welterweight titlist Manny Pacquiao’s class and predicted an easy win for the Filipino when they clash in Brisbane on July 2.

“I’ve seen a little bit of Horn (on tape),” said Donaire who’s in town with wife Rachel and their two sons Jarel and Logan. “”He’s not at the same level as Manny. But you can’t underestimate Horn or any opponent for that matter. You’ve got to train harder than the other guy. Manny’s way beyond Horn in terms of experience, speed and power which are elements to create an easy fight. The key is to train hard so you’re able to execute when the bell rings.”

Donaire said trainer Freddie Roach’s presence is another huge advantage. “I’ve always admired Freddie and his ability to form a connection with his fighters,” he said. “When you hear his voice whether in the gym or in the corner during a fight, you know you’re getting the best advice.”

Donaire flew in last week to focus on getting ready for his next fight which will be in August against a still unnamed opponent, likely to be held in the US. About two months ago, Donaire discovered the benefits of a ketogenic diet from mixed martial arts fighter Tony Diaz in Las Vegas. It’s a low-carb, high-fat diet that provides a sustained level of energy. Donaire said the diet addresses the problem of ebbing stamina in a long bout.

“In the first two weeks of the diet, I had to make a drastic adjustment as I took out carbs and sugar,” he said. “But now my body has gotten used to it. I’m walking around at 133 to 135 pounds and after training, I go down to 129 to 130. I feel good and strong. It’s like I’m in the condition I want to be on the day of a fight. I eat meat for protein and avocado, eggs, olive oil, cheese and coconut oil for healthy fat. I eat seafood, fish and shellfish. With my diet, I can easily drop down to 122 but I think I’m levelling off at 126 which will likely be my weight when I fight again. I’m fortunate to be getting my food from Detoxify Bar.”

Donaire said it doesn’t appear that Jessie Magdaleno, who wrested his WBO superbantamweight crown on points last November, will ever agree to a rematch. “Even if I become the mandatory challenger, he won’t fight me and he’d rather go up in weight,” said Donaire. “In his first title defense (against Brazil’s Adeilson dos Santos in Carson City last April), I heard Magdaleno got paid only $150,000. He’d get a lot more if he fights me but he just won’t do it.”

Donaire said he sparred with Dos Santos before the Magdaleno fight. “I don’t get too much sparring in Vegas and Dos Santos was available,” he said. “It’s not like I helped him prepare for Magdaleno. It happened that I needed some sparring to practice some new things and he needed some sparring, too. Dos Santos works hard but starts slow. I wasn’t at the fight which Magdaleno won by a second round knockout. I was at Legoland with my family.”

Donaire said he’s ready to fight anybody, anywhere. “I’d love to fight (Guillermo) Rigondeaux again,” he said. “But the bigger names are in the featherweight division which is where I’m headed. Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares are world champions. Then, there are contenders like Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton. Top Rank wanted me to fight (WBO featherweight champion) Oscar Valdez last March but I wasn’t ready to make the jump to 126. If I drop down to 122 to fight guys like Rigo, it will take some adjustment to go back up to 126. It’s unlikely that I’ll fight at 122 again.”

Donaire said he recently came to terms with a new promotional outfit. “My Top Rank contract ran out and now, I’m open to anyone, including Top Rank,” he said. “There are a lot of opportunities out there and with my new promotional outfit, I have a voice in deciding my future. It’s something every fighter wants – to have a say in his career. In due time, we’ll disclose who’s my new promoter.”