Fernando Montiel (left) and Nonito Donaire, Jr. (right) are looking forward to an explosive affair next month in what prize fighting experts note as another epic chapter in the Mexico-Philippines boxing rivalry. (Photo credit: Chris Farina/TOP RANK)

MANILA, Philippines — The world may have celebrated the coming of a brand new year, but an action-packed offering promises to relive such kind of grandiosity when two of the world’s top ranked boxers clash on February 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada in a much anticipated fight dubbed as “Dynamite.”

Rising Filipino knockout artist Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. and Mexican unified bantamweight titlist Fernando Montiel usher 2011 with the world’s first world title fight when they meet face-to-face at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino next month, both vowing to take the each other out with furious punches and brutal knockouts.

“Montiel vs. Donaire will feature a matchup between two hard-punching bantamweights — a can’t miss fight that will definitely assure fans of a dynamite event,” said Hall of Fame promoter and Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, who handles the said event.

Both fighters are looking forward to an explosive affair next month in what prize fighting experts note as another epic chapter in the Mexico-Philippines boxing rivalry.

Riding on the momentum of an incredible nine-year, 24-bout winning streak, Donaire (25 wins, 1 loss, 17 knockouts) hopes to finally emerge from the shadows of compatriot and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao by mixing it up with the big names and piling up the wins as he moves up in weight.

“Fernando Montiel is the best fighter I have ever faced and certainly the toughest challenge of my professional career,” said the California-based Donaire, who went 3-0 last year punctuated by his brutal fourth-round demolition of Ukrainian Wladimir Sidorenko last December that paved the way to a Montiel bout.

“It’s going to be a battle of strength and will. I’m leaving nothing to chance in training and when the final bell rings on February 19, the Philippines will have another mark in the victory column against Mexico,” vowed the 28-year-old Donaire, who recently shared distinction with Pacquiao after landing at No. 5 in The Ring magazine’s list.

The 31-year-old Montiel (43-2-2, 33 KOs), on the other hand, has not lost since 2006 and has won by knockout in eight of his last ten victories.

“It is a very important fight for me and a great opportunity to prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Montiel, who has expressed his intention to move up to 122 pounds after the fight with Donaire.

“I expect a tough fight, but I also expect to win,” continued Montiel, who will be giving up a five-inch height advantage, as well as a four-inch reach edge to Donaire come fight night.

Asked about a possible rematch with his Filipino counterpart, Montiel implied that their second meeting must be at 122. “Our rematch will be at 122. I will win the first fight, and in the second fight I will win again.”

Both Donaire and Montiel are looking to cash in on even bigger bouts by gaining a victory over the other.

Donaire expects to get his hands on unbeaten Puerto Rican warrior Juan Manuel Lopez, who has previously dealt his (Donaire’s) fellow Filipino fighters a brutal beating.

Montiel, meanwhile, is reportedly eyeing to face his fellow Mexican champion Christian Mijares.