Donaire looks to extend win streak

NEW YORK (AFP) –

Nonito Donaire of the Philippines (L) boxes with Jorge Arce of Mexico during their WBO World Super Bantamweight bout at the Toyota Center on December 15, 2012 in Houston, Texas. Donaire will put his 12-year, 30-fight win streak on the line when he faces undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux in a WBA world junior featherweight title bout Saturday.

Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire will put his 12-year, 30-fight win streak on the line when he faces undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux in a WBA world junior featherweight title bout Saturday.

The 30-year-old Donaire will be trying to add the WBA title to his WBO crown when the two face off at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall venue.

In his last bout in December, Donaire was dominant, successfully retaining his title against Jorge Arce, of Mexico, with a third round knockout.

He floored the Mexican 2:59 into the round, having already knocked Arce down earlier in the third and also in the second round.

Donaire comes into the fight with 31 wins, one loss and 20 knockouts.

The 32-year-old Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) is making the third defence of his WBA title but this will be the biggest fight of his pro career.

While his professional career has been brief, the Cuban has impressed with his eight knockouts.

Underdog Rigondeaux compiled one of the greatest amateur careers of all time before defecting from Cuba four years ago.

He captured two Olympic gold medals (2000 and 2004) and won the World Amateur Championship in 2001 and 2005.

He won the WBA title with a sixth-round knockout of previously undefeated Rico Ramos in January 2012.