MANILA, Philippines – Boxing coach Robert Garcia believes his boxer Nonito Donaire Jr. will dictate the pace of his title defense against Japan’s Toshiaki Nishioka.

Garcia said that although Nishioka possesses speed and power, Donaire could win by engaging the Japanese in an intelligent fight.

“Nonito is too fast, too smart and I think he will be able to control the fight from the beginning,” Garcia told Boxing Scene’s Ronnie Nathanielsz.

Garcia said he wants Donaire to put together his punches by throwing more combinations against Nishioka.

Donaire will be staking his World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Federation super bantamweight titles against Nishioka.

Also on the line are the RING Magazine and the World Boxing Council Diamond super bantamweight crowns.

The fight is set to take place at the Home Depot in Carson City, California on October 13.

Donaire said he is feeling good with his sparring sessions against amateur southpaw Eric De Leon and lightweight Oscar Diaz.

“[The sessions have] gone great and my stamina is good right now and after sparring for 10 more rounds we’ll be ready to go,” the boxer said.

