by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Five division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash’ Donaire and his trainer/father “Dodong” Donaire have warned unbeaten Prince Albert Pagara that his rugged opponent Cesar Juarez of Mexico “is really tough” and that he has to be in great shape to fend off the aggressive Juarez.

“Dodong” Donaire told The Standard that “if Juarez is 100 percent in shape its going to be pretty tough for Pagara” recalling that Nonito himself had a hard time in  the second half of their title fight which was described as “brutal.”

 However, the two knockdowns scored by Donaire in the 4th round and his counter-punching off the ropes in the  championship rounds made all the difference in an eventually lopsided win in December 2015 to win the vacant WBO super bantamweight title.

ABS-CBN’s Bev Llorente quoted Donaire who said Juarez  “is very tough but isn’t such a skilled fighter but he is courageous and strong and charges forward. All he knows is to take the fight to you.”

Donaire said "I was very surprised because whenever I hit him he just takes it. I've never faced anyone so courageous.”

Donaire cautioned Prince Albert to watch out for Juarez’ volume of punches. Donaire added that Pagara should watch out for Juarez's volume punches and noted that “if you get tired that’s when you f eel the power of his punches but they are not that powerful.”

Donaire, who has sparred with Pagara in the past said the Filipino needs to work on his defense since Juarez is a strong fighter. But he believes Pagara can drop Juarez. 

Donaire said “"Pagara is very promising. Pagara has a lot of future looking at him. He is a very capable fighter. His advantage is that he is taller and strong. He just has to keep his distance. Let Juarez come in because I know Pagara is strong and his style is tailor-made for Pagara.”

Donaire said “Actually I feel he will knock out Juarez. He is one of the few fighters from the ALA Gym who trains hard so I know he is ready to face Juarez.”