Nonito Donaire, Jr. with his wife, Rachel

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. is now ready to face the big shots of boxing after successfully defending his World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight belt last July 10.

That is why he plans to resume training soon amid news that he could take on Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion.

“This time, ipagpapatuloy ko ensayo ko,” he told reporters upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Thursday morning. “Elite fighters na ‘yun, world champions. Mas magaling sila sa lahat ng nakalaban ko noon. I need to be better need to be stronger, kailangan talagang mag-ensayo. I need to focus.”

Donaire said that while the fight is still being negotiated, he is not resting until he knows he is ready to take on the Mexican champ.

“Alam ko malakas si Montiel. Pinakamagaling siya sa division. Gusto kong makalaban siya… to prove to myself na mas magaling ako sa kaniya," he said.

The Filipino Flash is confident that he has the edge over the Mexican champion.

“Ako mas matangkad, mas mautak at I have the pride of all the people dito sa Pilipinas to motivate me, to give me the determination na kailangan ko talagang manalo.”

Donaire blasts Team Mayweather

The Montiel bout could be held in November, the same month when 7-division world champion and Sarangani Province Rep. Manny Pacquiao is expected return to the ring.

Donaire said he hopes that their match will be included in the undercard of the Pacquiao fight.

“Negotiation process pa. Sana malagay ako sa undercard ni Manny. Hopefully sana malagay ako. I’m praying at sana mag-pray din po kayo. ‘Yun ang gusto ko talaga to be in the undercard,” he said.

Donaire also sided with his compatriot against the “tactics” being employed by Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s camp.

“They’re all talk. Wala namang action… Takot sila, parang mga bata... like they're elementary kids,” he said.

Donaire said Mayweather is so scared of losing his unblemished record that he keeps on postponing his face-off with Pacquiao.

“He's holding on to being No. 1 before… He wants to keep the zero (40-0 undefeated record). Ayaw niyang malagyan ng loss ang record niya,” said Donaire.

Higher weight division

While his opponent and fight date is still unknown, Donaire said he will climb weight no matter what.

The Filipino Flash defended his WBA title against Mexican Hernan marquez at 115 pounds. If he faces Montiel, he will have to climb to 118 pounds.

“Aakyat ako ng timbang sa susunod na laban against Montiel kung kukunin nila ‘yung laban,” he said.

He also said that if Montiel will not agree to fight him at 118 lbs., another viable opponent is WBO super bantamweight king Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. of Puerto Rico.

“Magaling din si Vazquez. It will be a good opportunity for me na makalaban ko siya.”

Vazquez is unbeaten at 19 wins (with 16 knockouts) and 1 draw while Donaire has a 24-1 (with 16 KOs) record.

Montiel, on the other hand, has 43 wins (with 33 KOs), 2 losses and 2 draws.