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Source: AFP,

ANAHEIM - Filipino bantamweight star Nonito Donaire says that despite a 23-fight win streak over 9 1/2 years, only now is he finally motivated to produce his best boxing performances.

Donaire will fight for the interim World Boxing Association bantamweight crown on December 4 against former WBA champion Wladimiro Sidorenko of Ukraine with a showdown against Mexico's Fernando Montiel set for February if he wins.

"I want to make a statement of who Nonito Donaire really is," the "Filipino Flash" said Monday. "I've never really been motivated. I'm reaching the more fully me, the better me. This is finally the chance I have been looking for."

Former world flyweight champion Donaire, 24-1 with 16 knockouts, vows he will not be complacent when he faces Sidorenko, 22-2-2 with seven knockouts.

But Donaire made clear his desire to win and finalize a planned February 19 date with World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Montiel, 43-2-2 with 33 knockouts.

"When I have Montiel in my sight, as my target, I feel totally motivated. I have no fear," Donaire said. "They are going to see a different guy going in there. I'm motivated with Montiel on the horizon. This is where I want to be.

"I want to send a message to Montiel but I won't take Sidorenko lightly."

Sidorenko lost the WBA bantamweight crown to Panamanian southpaw Anselmo Moreno in 2008 and dropped a title rematch in 2009 but bounced back from his only defeats with an August decision over Tanzanian southpaw Mbwana Matumla.

"He's there to bring his name up in beating me," Donaire said. "It may be a different style than what I have seen but I have always been one to change my style to take advantage of my opponent.

"I'm really confident and working really hard. I'm in good shape. I want to be the first guy to knock this guy out and that's what I'm going to try to do."

Donaire trainer Robert Garcia has been impressed with his fighter's workouts.

"He's already sparring 12 rounds. He went 12 rounds on Saturday and I was surprised with his skills and conditioning," Garcia said. "He wasn't even breathing hard so I'm pleased with his fitness. We're not taking it easy.

"We're looking forward to getting that big date against Montiel."

Four bantamweight rivals will begin a tournament centered around the International Boxing Federation crown a week after Donaire fights Sidorenko, with semi-final bouts on December 11 at Tacoma, Washington.

Colombian Yonnhy Perez, 20-0 with one drawn and 14 knockouts, will defend his IBF crown against Ghana's Joseph Agbeko, 27-2 with 22 knockouts, in a rematch of the title fight Perez won by unanimous decision last year.

The other fight pits unbeaten Mexican Abner Mares, 20-0 with one drawn and 13 knockouts, against Armenian-born Australian southpaw Vic Darchinyan, 35-2 with one draw and 27 knockouts.

Mares, the fighter Donaire picked as the man to beat in the field, fought a majority draw with Perez last May. Donaire said he would welcome the chance to face the eventual tournament winner.