Donaire Could Be Next PPV Attraction with Impressive Win over Nishioka Saturday

A knockout win or a very impressive victory by Nonito Donaire over top rated Japanese fighter Toshiaki Nishioka will likely catch the attention of the cable networks like HBO and Showtime for possible pay-per-view (PPV) headliner fight next year.

Donaire has what it takes to be a PPV star because of his entertaining style and his awesome displays of speed and power as he moves around the ring.

An indication Donaire is ripe to headline a PPV fight of his own is the fact that he has already attracted substantial attendance numbers in his most recent fights.

Earlier reports show almost all tickets for his showdown with Nishioka have been sold out, with still  four days before the fight at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California on Saturday.

Donaire's promoter Bob Arum said, via inquirer.net, only the $35.00 seats which are in the rafters are up for grabs in the weekend boxing event.

“Everybody who loves boxing (will) come out to The Home Depot Center because they are going to see a card second to none. Two great fights and a terrific undercard and tickets reasonably priced. Almost all of the tickets are sold except for the $35 tickets. So for $35 you can watch history,” said Arum.

Days before Donaire's encounter with Jeffrey Meathebula, Arum said the Filipino Flash has yet to prove his worth in the PPV market.

“It’s all about visibility,” Arum told the Asian Journal in July. “You don’t become a pay-per-view fighter until people are used to seeing you in difficult fights like Manny [Pacquiao], it took him some time to [become a pay-per-view fighter]. Same thing will happen to Nonito Donaire.”

Arum also said that Donaire should consider moving up to a higher weight class as fighters in the heavier categories appeal more to the PPV market.

Donaire was reportedly guaranteed $750,000 for the Mathebula fight which is about the same purse he got for facing Omar Narvaez last year. Top Rank has yet to disclose Donaire's guaranteed purse for facing Nishioka.

But Arum hinted Donaire will be headlining a PPV fight next year if he performs well against Niashioka.

The main undercard for the HBO-televised card is a 10-round Junior welterweight fight between Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado.