“Cochulito” fights Nonito Donaire Saturday

It’s hard to think of Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel as an underdog in any fight.

And yet, in the world of sports books and boxing pundits the fierce Mexican warrior has been pegged as the “dog” in this Saturday’s battle against Nonito Donaire (25-1, 17 KOs) at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions, this highly-touted matchup will air on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark.”

Since their fight was first officially announced last month in Los Angeles, the “Filipino Flash” has been deemed the odds-on favorite in the betting world. But if Team Montiel (44-2-2, 34 KOs) has anything to say about it, they would probably say: Don’t bet against the tough power puncher hailing from Los Mochis.

Being an underdog is nothing new for the camp–or the champ.

How can you bet against the heart of a champion?

At last month’s press conference, promoter Fernando Beltran confidently addressed this issue by reminding the crowd, “He was a 3-1 underdog in Japan with (Hozumi) Hasegawa and he knocked him out.” Montiel is used to facing adversity, plus the Japanese fighter was a southpaw.

Donaire may be the younger, taller, some say fresher and faster fighter–but is also the less experienced. With their knockout pedigrees, will it even go the distance? At stake are Montiel’s two championship titles with the victor walking away with both the WBC and WBO bantamweight straps. This weekend, the slick prizefighting pair will face off to answer whose speed, whose power, whose ring generalship, whose 118 pound-for-pound supremacy will prevail on this night–and in this fight.

I say “this fight” because there’s already been talk of a rematch…or possibly even a trilogy between the explosive duo.

During January’s press conference at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in L.A., the sluggers acknowledged that this is a huge fight for both of them.

While thoughts of a tense Mexican-Filipino rivalry was bandied about, the two pugilists remained respectful and following a mock “angry” face-off, Montiel and Donaire laughed and shook hands after sneering and snarling at each other just for the cameras’ sake. But once the bell rings, all bets are off for any further camaraderie.

You have a beloved world champ from Sinaloa going toe to toe against a just as popular world champ from the Philippines. Two proud gladiators with everything at stake.

Nonito’s trainer Robert Garcia stated at the podium, “You have two of the best bantamweights in the world! Montiel is a very skilled fighter. With his speed, he adjusts fast.”

Taking the microphone, Montiel remarked that he is very happy to be back on HBO and respectfully said, “Nonito is the most complete fighter I’ve ever fought.”

During his comments on stage, “Cochulito” warned, “Definitely, this is going to be a war.”

Montiel, known for his early knockout victories, said he could see he and Nonito fighting each other two to three times, comparing their contest to that of Sugar Ray Leonard versus Tommy Hearns, also saying he hoped at the end of the fight they can “walk out by themselves.” “It’s this type of fight,” he nodded.

“It will be a sensational fight. It’s going to be a war!” he repeated again.

With all bets cast aside, will there be an “upset” by Team Montiel and their defending champion?

I caught up with Fernando’s father, who is also his trainer and manager, Manuel “Cochul” Montiel Sr. His son, the WBC and WBO belt holder, takes his nickname of “Cochulito” to honor his dad, who is a former professional fighter himself.

Montiel Sr., an ex-flyweight, has five sons that became boxers including Fernando, Eduardo, Alejandro, Pedro and Manuel Jr. With him at the news conference was cornerman Francisco Espinosa (also co-manager of Antonio Margarito and manager of Jesus Soto Karass). Speaking with the two men, their opinion is that the most toughest boxers and champions ever come from Los Mochis. Humberto Soto, Jorge Arce, Hugo Cazares, Jesus Soto Karass, and so many others are from this city in northern Sinaloa, they explained.

The father and trainer of Fernando Montiel also kept a close watch on the champ’s green and gold WBC belt while in the ballroom. And they have no plans of relinquishing this title to Donaire–at least not without a war.

His corner believes he will win; his fans believe he will win and “Cochulito” himself believes in a victory come Saturday night.

Again, it’s difficult to even call him an underdog. But then again, every dog has his day.

It’s high stakes for the two world-class athletes as they square off this weekend.

One thing you can wager on: It’s gonna be a war.

Tickets: (800) 745-3000

Photos by Michele Chong