Still hungry: Decorated Donaire inspired by undisputed dream

Nonito Donaire [38(24)-4(1)] has done enough to ensure he is a cert for the Hall of Fame.

Carl Frampton’s next opponent is a former world champion in four weight classes, having held the IBF flyweight title from 2007 to 2009, the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles in 2011, the IBF and WBO [twice] super bantamweight titles across 2012 and 2016, and the WBA featherweight title in 2014.

In total, he has held seven world titles from the main four boxing sanctioning bodies. That for most would be enough, but not ‘The Filipino Flash’ he has one more boxing box to tick.

The 35-year-old claims he is motivated to continue by a desire to hold all the belts in the featherweight division.

It seems a far-fetched dream for a man without one strap at present. In fact, some are suggesting defeat to Carl Frampton in Belfast on April 21st will bring the curtain down on an illustrious career. Indeed, even should he emerge from the Jackal’s Den victorious, the Philippine superstar will most likely get a World title shot but to win all four is a massive ask to say the least.

Yet that is what motivates the popular former pound-for-pound star ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash.

“My goal is to be undisputed. That is something I haven’t done. I have all the sanctioning bodies belts at different stages and I achieved a lot. I had three belts IBF, WBO and WBC [diamond] at the same time, but forgot to get one, so my goal is to utilise my ability and to allow myself to keep that [undisputed champion goal] in my mind,” Donaire said .

“This is my hunger. I have allowed myself to focus on something I missed and it drives me on. I came close in 2012 and I ended up backing up because of a defeat, but now I have come to the realization that being a unified champion is something I don’t have and that is something I want and it motivates me.”

“Right now I am motivated by the fact Carl will be at his best on April 21st and I have to be at my best and beyond too,” Donaire added before surveying the packed featherweight landscape.

“There are a lot of guys out there [Abner] Mares, [Leo] Santa Cruz, and even [Lee] Selby. I know [Óscar] Valdez would be difficult because of promotional stuff, that has always been the case with promoters, but I am open to fight anyone.”