DONAIRE PRAISES PACQUIAO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 26 Oct 2008
Just like other Filipino boxers, reigning IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire has praised ring idol and national treasure Manny Pacquiao saying ?we?re just thankful for him being there.?
Donaire was answering a question from American boxing writer Steve Kim who wanted to know how important Pacquiao is to the Philippines.
Donaire said in response during his pre-fight conference call ?he?s the key. He was the key to opening the door. He?s done everything for all the Filipino fighters . We can always thank him for everything. I mean just endless thanks because he?s done a lot for the Philippines, for the Filipino community and for the Filipino fighter?for me as well. So we just bow our heads.?
Asked by Kim how much of an opportunity that means for Donaire in terms of his own marketability and building a fan base because of Pacquiao?s popularity, the IBF/IBO world flyweight champion said ?I just do my best. Just being a few Filipinos in the industry it helps out too because he?s Manny Pacquiao and we?re coming up.?
Donaire went on ?I?m coming up and then people are seeing that, ?hey, Filipino people have talent and stuff like that. So it helps a lot knowing that?s there.?
WBO world bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa has always maintained that what Pacquiao has done the country and for Filipino boxers is immeasurable. He said Pacquiao opened the door to the US for all the other young fighters striving to make a name for themselves.
Cebu boxing patron Tony Aldeguer who has a roster of fine, world-rated fighters such as Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista, Z ?The Dream? Gorres, Michael Domingo, Milan Melindo and several other promising young fighters has always paid tribute to Pacquiao as both the inspiration to other fighters and the one individual who paved the way for other boxers and earned the respect of the international community for the Philippines.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
Tue, 06 May 2025Monster Dynamite: Inoue Crushes Cardenas in Eight
Mon, 05 May 2025"THE MONSTER" SURVIVES EARLY SCARE, DESTROYS CARDENAS IN THRILLING WAR TO RETAIN UNDISPUTED CROWN
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 05 May 2025Dana White to Promote Canelo vs. Crawford: UFC Boss Set to Elevate Superfight to Historic Levels
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 05 May 2025Bata Reyes impressed with upcoming young players during exhibition in Libis
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 05 May 2025Canelo Wins the 'Xicoténcatl' Belt and is Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion Once Again
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 04 May 2025