By Dennis Principe

He may not consider himself a hungry fighter anymore but Nonito Donaire, Jr. insists he has not lost the craving to win against the best opposition. He will prove that point later tonight at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

 

Donaire said he has reached a different level wherein he has evolved into a more determined fighter who aims to face the toughest rivals his handlers can give him.

 

“When I became a world champion I thought I was going to quit there and then. The challenge really is how to motivate myself and be hungry again. I know that I have the talent, the speed, the power. It’s just more of the motivation aspect to really get to it and I’m motivated for this fight,” said Donaire.

 

The 28-year-old Nicholas Walters is said to be one of the toughest bouts for Donaire as the Jamaican star remains undefeated in 24 bouts, winning 20 of them inside the distance.

 

“I took the fight because he is a tough opponent. This is what I asked for. To challenge myself and see if I belong in this level. I have no doubts in myself because I’ve been training hard. My skills, my ability, I know that no one can beat me,” said Donaire.

 

While he has won his last two fights, Donaire admits those twin victories are a constant reminder that he needs to be a better fighter when he climbs the ring against Walters.

 

May of this year, Donaire eked out a controversial 5th round technical decision win over South African Simpiwe Vetyeka to capture those belts he now own.

 

Donaire admits he is aware of the criticisms he got from those wins over Darchinyan and Vetyeka.

 

“I learned what I need in order for me to be at a different level. That’s what my father and I corrected in terms of training and working out and gaining the mentalility that I have. It was a big factor for me because I can look back and say , ‘this was were I committed mistakes’,” said Donaire.

 

The 31-year-old Donaire (33-2, 21 knockouts) adds his reunion with his father Nonito Sr. has also helped him regain some of the dexterity he lost when they parted ways five years ago.

 

“He reintroduced what I used to be and reminding me who I was and what I’m capable of. It was like I was able to recall my way of punching and moving,” said Donaire.