Donaire on Gaballo- ‘He Has A Big Dream”

One of the many good fights taking shape this weekend is the latest title defense for WBC Bantahamweight titleholder Nonito Donaire as he squares off against Reymart Gaballo live Saturday night on Showtime starting at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT.

Be prepared for Showtime “blow by blow man” Mauro Ranallo to troll all in boxing by calling it, “The Punch Bowl” one last time to close out 2021 on the broadcast (Sportsbooks ain’t putting that line out there, trust me). The latest contest for Donaire comes to us from the site we like to call, “the War Grounds” but corporately labeled the Dignity Health Sports Complex in Carson, California for the all-Filipino main event.

Speaking for the final time in front of the media Thursday, Gaballo comes in on the heels of a very debatable split decision win against Emanuel Rodriguez. That contest watching it back you can make the argument that this should be Rodriguez-Donaire but Gaballo is looking to keep that result in the bubble, in the past.

“it’s an honor to fight my idol (Donaire) in the ring,” Gaballo said at the final press conference Thursday coming from the Hyatt Regency in Los Angeles. “When I look at my last fight, I need to improve my head movement and throw more punches.”

“Every time in the gym, we always throw the same punches like Nordinito. Not just the left hook that he throws, ” Gaballo said that was translated THROUGH DONAIRE hysterically.

Relive #DavisCruz before #DonaireGaballo takes the spotlight SATURDAY 10PM on @Showtime 💥💥@Gervontaa @IsaacPitbull98 @filipinoflash pic.twitter.com/97797Khye0

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 8, 2021

Donaire Is Chasing History

Donaire as the oldest bantamweight champion in history spoke on what keeps driving him.

“After the Inoue fight, I was bought about a purpose. The purpose is to become the undisputed champion,” Donaire stated. “He has a big dream like everybody coming from the Philippines. I know he will be at his best and this is why I prepared at my best as well.

Speaking with the media Donaire, stated that this is just another fight and is ready for whatever comes his way from Gaballo.

“The thing about being experienced is that you have no fear of it. Therefore, we were mainly focused on our strategy and the variety of style that comes forward in my head. I can take advantage of his style.  Ultimately, we’re 100 percent ready,” Donaire noted.

The winner of the fight is likely to square off against John Casimero, who himself is in action out in Dubai defending his belt against Paul Butler. That was a fight they tried to make earlier in the year that completely unraveled poorly between both sides for that fight to happen. We’ll see if that has all been patched up and go for the unification go in 2022.

Those watching as a programing note and as usual practice, Showtime will be an encore presentation of the Gervonta Davis-Issac Cruz bout that took place on pay-per-view last week. The fight card will also feature knockout prospect Brandun Lee who will kick off the live portion against Juan Hearldez. Four of the six fighters in action on Saturday are undefeated.