Donaire foe believes youth a big advantage for him to win bout

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Nonito Donaire’s foe in his upcoming December 19 fight isn’t backing down from the challenge and even believes he can take down the Filipino boxing star.

Emmanuel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, the former IBF World bantamweight champion, shared that his youth will be the biggest factor in the fight that can help him defeat the decorated and experienced Donaire.

“Donaire is a future Hall of Famer, without question. I am proud to be able to fight him and he deserves respect, but he’s received a lot of punishment during his career, he just turned 38-year-old and the movements should not be the same,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was Nordine Oubaali’s replacement after the WBC bantamweight title-holder tested positive for COVID-19 resulting in his bout with Donaire being scrapped.

Due to Ouubali’s condition, he will be a champion in recess and will automatically face the winner between Donaire and Rodriguez.

“He is not being looked down upon. But I have many advantages due to age. He made a great fight to Inoue, however he took so many punches. Donaire is a legend, but on December 19 he will have to deal with me,” Rodriguez added.