PINOY PRIDE XXX: THE FILIPINO FLASH CHARGES UP AT THE ALA GYM
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 15 Mar 2015
CEBU ? There was a respectful silence when Nonito Donaire and Japanese sparring partner Ryo Akaho stepped inside the ring. The ALA gym-BTC was packed with fans and members of the media for the open workout of the boxers who will take center stage for PINOY PRIDE 30:D-Day.
The Filipino Flash did not disappoint. He demonstrated what is in store for William Prado of Brazil in their upcoming NABF super bantamweight title bout on March 28 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Donaire flashed his sharp jab and caught Akaho with his lethal left hook on several occasions. The crowd was mesmerized by the fast paced action and the fighters got a well deserved round of applause at the end of the session.
Donaire was mobbed for photos when he stepped out of the ring. One female fan remarked ?Mura man ug artista? referring to the five-division champ?s showbiz-like aura after she got her picture taken with him.
Donaire does the mitts with his father/trainer Donaire Sr.
Akaho described as a very ?good feeling? his experience of sparring with Donaire. They have sparred on several occasions; The Japanese is the latest foreign pugilist to fight under the banner of ALA Promotions. Akaho will be on the undercard of Pinoy Pride 30 against Prosper Ankrah of Ghana for the WBO International bantamweight belt.
Akaho (25-1-2,17KO?s) is a former Japan and OPBF super flyweight titlist and lost in his bid for the WBC world super flyweight title in 2012 against countryman Yota Sato.
Ankrah (24-4,15KO?s) got his taste of world class opposition also in 2012 when he was stopped in two rounds by Carl Frampton for the Commonwealth super bantamweight title. Frampton would go on to win a world title with the IBF.
Nietes (L) spars with Virgel Vitor.
Also showing his wares in the sparring session is WBO junior flyweight champ Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes, who will defend his world title against Gilberto Parra of Mexico. Nietes capped the afternoon affair with an impressive two rounder against Virgel Vitor.
?Prince? Albert Pagara opened the workout with shadow boxing and punch-mitts with trainer Edmund Villamor. Pagara will defend his IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight title against Mexican Rodolfo Hernandez.
Albert Pagara (R) does the mitts with trainer Edmund Villamor.
Also making an appearance were Mark Magsayo who traded punches with Arjan Canillas and AJ ?Bazooka? Banal who sparred with Philippine super flyweight champ Melvin Gumban.
Banal will also be on the PINOY PRIDE 30 undercard against Junior Bahawa of Indonesia.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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