HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NONITO!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Nov 2007
CEBU CITY--World flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr is celebrating his 25th birthday today in the company of friends, although the young champion is still scheduled to do his morning and afternoon workout at the famed ALA Gym here.
In the evening, the world champion will meet the sportsman, this as Cebuano sportsman Jonathan Guardo plays host to the birthday bash of the IBF and IBO world champion in a by-invitation celebration at the upscale Cebu City Sports Club in Ayala.
Donaire, who flew in from Manila yesterday where he had met with his promoter Gary Shaw and some Solar Sports executives, expressed thanks to the young sportsman, whose business empire includes pharmaceutical products including Arthro, the Kris Aquino-endorsed Heartvit and Kidney Care, endorsed by showbiz bigwig Boy Abunda.
"This is our way of showing to Donaire that the company values and believes in his capabilities as a world champion, and we know fully well that he is here to last as a champion, and even become a bigger name than he is today," said Guardo in an interview.
Uniherb, the company founded by Guardo, is preparing a special birthday bash for the young champion, said Edwin Ratilla, the comapany vice-president for sales.
Donaire and his father-trainer Nonito Sr are scheduled to leave Cebu for the US on November 24, stay the weekend in San Leandro, California to meet relatives and friends, before flying to Connecticut for the December 1 defense against Mexican toughie Luis Maldonado.
In his last fight, Donaire easily blasted the erstwhile undefeated Vic Darchinyan, giving him the dual world titles.
"I am not looking past Maldonado. I know he is coming to fight. I have the best preparation so far at the ALA Gym, making this my best training camp in my career. I am going to show the world I am here to stay, and stay very long," said the articulate young champion.
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