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..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 05 Dec 2025Class of 2026 Announced in Canastota
Fri, 05 Dec 2025Thailand’s Niyomtrong “Knockout CPF” Decisions Junior Zárate, Becomes World Champion Again
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 05 Dec 2025WORLD RANKED FILIPINO BOXERS AS OF DECEMBER 2025 BY THE RING, WBC, WBA, IBF, AND WBO
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 05 Dec 2025Shinard Bunch Takes on John Paul Magalong on Tuesday, January 13th at The UFC Gym North Brunswick in North Brunswick, NJ
Fri, 05 Dec 2025Severino and Mendoza win Blitz Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 05 Dec 2025Herlan Gomez Departs for Australia for Moloney Fight Saturday on DAZN
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 04 Dec 2025KENNETH LLOVER DEFENDS OPBF TITLE IN FOURTH FIGHT OF 2025
Thu, 04 Dec 2025Canoy, Mama, Into Contend in IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 04 Dec 2025CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH 2: REMATCH SEASON FULL FIGHT CARD SET
Thu, 04 Dec 2025MERRY FISTMAS! World-Ranked KO Artist Ramon Cardenas Faces Erik Robles in ProBoxTV Main Event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Thursday, December 18
Thu, 04 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 2 DECEMBER 2025: Kavaliauskas Wins by Split Decision Over Molina; Whittaker Stops Gavazi in 1; Malajika Wins by UD Over Paras
By Eric Armit, Wed, 03 Dec 2025WBC Strips Terence Crawford of Super Middle Title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Soledad wins WBC Asian Continental title
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Dec 2025A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025