DONAIRE FACES MEDIA, TRAINS IN BAY AREA FOR AUG. 15 FIGHT
By Jason Aniel
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 12 Jul 2009
San Carlos, CA—IBF and IBO Flyweight titlist, Nonito Donaire, will make the “Undefeated” Boxing Gym in San Carlos, CA (about 20 minutes from San Francisco) his home gym as he prepares for his next fight on August 15 against Rafael Concepcion. Donaire, 21-1 (14 KOs), held a public workout for the media and fans at the Undefeated Gym on Saturday. Donaire is in the middle of his second training camp with trainers Jonathon and Doddie Boy Penalosa, famed brothers of former two-time world champion Gerry Penalosa.
The Penalosas joined Team Donaire earlier in the year when Nonito trained in the Philippines for his fight against Raul Martinez. Donaire impressively dominated Martinez last April. Now Jonathon and Doddie Boy join Donaire in the Bay Area to train against Concepcion. Donaire, raised in San Leandro, now lives in San Mateo, just a few minutes away from the gym.
During the 90-minute workout, Donaire displayed his amazing boxing technique on punching mitts. Many Filipinos traveled from all parts of the Bay Area to support one of their own fighters. Donaire, along with Robert Guerrero and Andre Ward, are the top boxers fighting of the Bay Area.
Although Donaire’s father Nonito Sr. is not training his son anymore, his son is still using many of his same training methods. For example, Jonathon Penalosa would wear a bodyguard and sparing gloves and actually attack Donaire, who was wearing headgear. Donaire explained that he could never find sparring partners so his dad would spar with him. Donaire worked on defense and counter punches to the body. Many of the movements and techniques Donaire implements in his training sessions are used during his fights.
Donaire spent over an hour after the workout signing autographs, taking pictures, and answering questions. Many of the observers found Donaire as an extremely approachable personality, nice guy, and very friendly. The gym provided food and drinks to the fans.
Donaire described his opponent Rafael Concepcion, 13-3-1 (8 KOs), has a tough fighter who comes into every fight trying to win. Most Philippine fight fans remember Concepcion for his upset win over A.J. Banal last year. Concepcion’s superior stamina and heart outlasted Banal over ten rounds. Donaire understands that if he’s not in top shape, Concepcion can pull off the upset.
Top Rank will distribute “Pinoy Power 2” over Pay Per View. The card also features a good match-up between Bernabe Concepcion, 29-1-1 (16 KOs), and Steven Lueveno, 36-1-1 (15 KOs), for the WBO featherweight title. This will be Concepcion’s first attempt at a world title. Lueveno has successfully defended his title 4 times and is generally regarded as one of the best featherweights in boxing. Rising Filipino prospect Mark Jason Melligen, 15-1 (11 KOs)m will also be on the card.
Top photo: "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire Jr.(R) of the Philippines, surrounded by fight fans at the Undisputed Boxing Gym in San Francisco, skips rope during his Media Day Saturday for his upcoming world super Flyweight championship against Rafael "El Torito" Concepcion of Panama. Top Rank promotes "Pinoy Power 2” on Pay Per View, Saturday, August 15 at the New Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.
"FAN FRENZY" --- "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire Jr. of the Philippines, surrounded by fight fans at the Undisputed Boxing Gym in San Francisco, holds his four title belts at his Media Day Saturday for his upcoming world super Flyweight championship against Rafael "El Torito" Concepcion of Panama. Top Rank promotes "Pinoy Power 2” on Pay Per View, Saturday, August 15 at the New Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.
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