Manny Pacquiao needs to be careful--Donaire

Nonito Donaire Jr., the Filipino International Boxing Federation flyweight champion, gave this unsolicited advice on Thursday when interviewed about the Manny Pacquiao-David Diaz battle for the World Boxing Council lightweight crown here.

"Pacquiao is the greatest fighter in the world right now," said Donaire, after the press conference announcing his entry into the Top Rank stable. "But he still needs to be careful."

Donaire doesn't need to look far for an example.

Born in Bohol but raised in the United States, Donaire was a huge underdog when he fought the then unbeaten Vic Darchinyan for the IBF title last July.

Donaire threw a single punch to the face that knocked Darchinyan out. That fight later won Ring Magazine's "2007 Knockout of the Year" and "2007 Upset of the Year."

"Nobody gave me a chance then, but I did it," said the 25-year-old Donaire, who proved that the feat was no fluke when he stopped Luis Maldonado in the eighth round to keep his title last December.

"Diaz is just like me then. A sacrificial lamb," said Donaire. "He's hungry and anybody with the will and heart to win is dangerous."

Donaire, who came with girlfriend Rachel Marcial in tow, noted that Pacquiao's edge in speed and power over Diaz will really be difficult to overcome.

The 25-year-old Donaire said the contract signed by his manager, Cameroon Dunkin, with Top Rank president Bob Arum stipulates three fights for him in the next two years.

"I'm very happy. This (contract) gets me back on track again," said Donaire. "I'm raring to train and fight again."(Roy Luarca; INQ.net)