MANILA, Philippines - Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum believes Top Rank's newest hot property Nonito Donaire, fresh from scoring a head-turning second-round knockout over Fernando Montiel, could win more world titles and become the heir apparent to Manny Pacquiao. "He can win the 122 (super-bantamweight) title, go up to 126 lbs (featherweight) and 130 (super-feather)," said Arum moments after witnessing what is likely an early-candidate for knockout of the year at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Donaire has actually won world titles at 112 (flyweight) and 115 (super-fly) and has now become the winningest Filipino fighter in terms of world titles after fellow General Santos City native Manny Pacquiao, who has been credited for winning eight.
Donaire had first won the IBF fly crown in 2007 before becoming the interim WBA super-fly champion last year.
The victory over Montiel gave Donaire the Mexican's WBC and WBO 118 lbs (bantamweight) championships.
Not counting Pacquiao's incredible eight titles, no other Filipino has won more than two titles in two different weight classes.
The two others who have managed to capture two are Dodie Boy Peñalosa (light-fly and fly) and Luisito Espinosa (bantam and feather).
Pacquiao is widely regarded as the country's finest fighter of all time and the more accomplished compared to Flash Elorde, who was considered the best before Pacquiao came into the scene.
Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin
