Walters downplays Donaire’s skills at featherweight

MANILA, Philippines – If they are fighting at a lower weight class, Nicholas Walters will be more bothered by WBA “super” world featherweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr.

But Walters will meet Donaire at the 126-pound division, where he claims Donaire’s skills won’t matter.

Speaking to Anson Wainwright of ringtv.com, the undefeated Walters played down Donaire’s speed, power and ring smarts, confident that he’ll emerge victorious in their fight this Sunday at the StarHub in Carson, California.

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“Nonito’s strong points are his punch power and speed. I don’t think he’s a very clever fighter. I think that he has speed and power but that was at a lower weight,” the Jamaican fighter explained.

Donaire will be fighting as a featherweight only for a second time, having spent most of his career in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. In his last outing, he defeated Simpiwe Vetyeka in Macau for the featherweight crown.

Walters, who holds the “regular” version of the WBA title, said Donaire won’t be able to repeat the feats he had in the lower weight classes.

“Now he’s fighting real men, he’s fighting at a bigger weight. His speed doesn’t affect me, his power doesn’t affect me, so now he’s in with bigger guys,” the heavy-handed fighter boasted.

CHECK OUT: Donaire-Walters Tale of the Tape

Unbeaten in 24 fights, Walters stressed he has the advantage entering the fight, having seen action many times as a featherweight.

“I’m always fighting at 126 (pounds). I’m the big fish at 126. He needs to show me more respect than I need to show him,” he added.

“I would tell him, the day he signed the contract, he’s in big trouble. I’m working hard. I hope he’s working hard because it’s going to be a hell of a fight come the 18th.” – Dino Maragay