Donaire, Gaballo make weight for all-Pinoy clash

MANILA, Philippines — Nonito Donaire Jr. breezed past the scales yesterday to ensure that his WBC bantamweight title defense against compatriot Raymart Gaballo is a go at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California today.

The 39-year-old Donaire, who continues to defy Father Time, tipped the scales at 117.2 pounds – a testament to the hard work he has put in over the years – in a bid to defend the world title he first won more than a decade ago. He lost it along the way but regained it last May.

Donaire (41-6, 27 KOs), who went as high as the featherweight division (126 pounds), expressed his readiness against Gaballo in the anticipated all-Filipino clash.

“I feel great, man. I feel amazing. We’re very ready for this fight. Just prepared a hundred percent,” said the Filipino-American, who will make the first defense of the title he regained from Frenchman Nordine Oubaali via a knockout at the same venue seven months ago.

The undefeated Gaballo (24-0, 20 KOs) weighed in at 117 pounds, later on stressing his gratefulness for the chance to face his “idol” in Donaire.

“It’s a dream to fight someone’s idol in the ring,” the Filipino prospect said in a report by Los Angeles-based ABS-CBN correspondent Steve Angeles.

Donaire and Gaballo had been nothing but cordial and respectful to each other throughout fight week.