Who’s minding Donaire’s age?
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Nov 2021
WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. turned 39 yesterday but who’s counting? He surely doesn’t act his age in the ring. Donaire is a stickler for discipline and how he moved down from featherweight to bantamweight in claiming another world title is a rare feat. Manny Pacquiao captured eight crowns in different weight divisions but never dropped down. In Donaire’s case, he stared Mother Nature straight in the eye and defied the adage that the body gets bigger with age. Believe it or not, Donaire recently confided that he might just scale even lower to fight for the superflyweight belt because the 115-pound strap is missing in his collection.
So far, Donaire has won the IBF/IBO flyweight, WBC/WBO/WBA bantamweight, IBF/WBO superbantamweight and WBA featherweight titles. He took the vacant WBA interim superflyweight crown in 2009 and defended it twice but never got the recognition as a full-fledged champion. No doubt, Donaire is a shoo-in as a Hall of Famer but it’s not only because of his achievements as a fighter. He’s also made a case for himself as an advocate of clean sports, batting for voluntary 24/7 anti-doping tests and as a role model outside the ring. Donaire’s a family man who never compromises his principles.
On Dec. 11, Donaire will be back in the ring to stake his crown against countryman Reymart Gaballo in a mandatory defense at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, Los Angeles county. His record is 41-6, with 27 KOs and a win will put him closer to a rematch with super WBA/IBF unified ruler Naoya Inoue or a showdown with WBO titleholder JohnRiel Casimero. Donaire would’ve fought Casimero last August but backed out of the duel after Quadro Alas’ camp posted a video disrespecting the Filipino Flash’s wife Rachel who is also his manager and trainer. In a statement, Donaire said he withdrew for two reasons----first, because Casimero did not return documentation for VADA testing on time and second, because he wouldn’t give Casimero the “platform” or “payday” after disrespecting his wife.
Donaire’s position drew praise from Boxing News (London) writer George Gigney. “Donaire should be applauded for his stance on drug testing,” wrote Gigney. “Donaire’s support of his wife is nothing short of pure class. Trash talk is a part of the business but hurling personal abuse at a fighter’s loved ones is abhorment.” Casimero has since apologized for crossing the line and is now in respectful terms with Donaire. “Donaire could have retired years ago and still have been a lock for the Hall of Fame but he continues to pursue greatness, all with a smile on his face,” continued Gigney. “He’s a breed that’s not often seen in boxing anymore, a fighter who will seek out the biggest challenges no matter the odds and who will treat any and all opponents with the utmost respect. There’s no pageantry with Donaire, he just wants to fight the best and it’s a joy to watch him do it.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024