by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Five division world champion and reigning WBA world super featherweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire continues to look impressive as he prepares for his unification bout with undefeated WBA regular champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters of Jamaica at the StubHub Center in Carson City on October 18.

Donaire realizes that the undefeated Walters is a tough opponent who demolished ageing Vic Darchinyan who moved up in weight and was battered and knocked out in the 5th round on the same card where Donaire won the WBA super champion’s title with a 5th round technical decision over Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa last May 31 at the plush Cotai Arena in Macau.

Nonito’s father/trainer “Dodong” Donaire told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard/Viva Sports after training on Thursday (Los Angeles Time) that Donaire “did very well”  in his second of ten round sparring sessions with lightweight  Stan “The Man” Martyniouk who will be one of Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partners as the “Fighter of the Decade” prepares for his title defense against undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri in Macau on November 22.

Martyniouk who was born in Estonia is a US citizen and has a ring record of 13-2 with 2 knockouts.

“Dodong” Donaire told us his son “looked impressive” and that he will spar once more on Friday (Saturday in Manila) before Marrtyniouk leaves for General Santos City to begin working with Pacquiao.

The father/trainer said Nonito who weighed 133 pounds faced Martyniouk who, according to Mike Bassel came in at around 155 pounds.

He said Martyniouk “is a lot bigger and taller than Nonito and has been a big help.”

“Dodong” Donaire said Nonito “is much faster and is punching harder” and expects “a really good fight” over which he is “excited.”

He said the 31 year old  Donaire who has a record of 33-2 with 21 knockouts is “very, very happy” and is looking forward to his showdown with  the 28 year old Walters who has a record of 24-0 with 20 knockouts and is regarded as a heavy puncher.

But Nonito told the Standard earlier “I can also punch” while his father/trainer conceded that while Walters has power “he is slow.”