Donaire explains why he did not attend PSA awards
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 18 Mar 2013
Nonito Donaire Jr. reacted to a report from a Manila based newspaper that he ?snubbed? and ?showed little importance? to an accolade given to him last Saturday by the Philippine Sportswriters Association.
(http://sports.inquirer.net/91777/donaire-snubs-award)
Donaire was chosen by the organization as the Athlete of The Year for 2012, brought about by his accomplishments in the ring. The boxer, who is in deep training for his upcoming unification fight against WBA superbantam champion Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba on April 13 in New York, was unable to attend Saturday?s annual awards ceremony which apparently drew unfavorable reaction from members of the organization.
?I explained to numerous writers that I am less than 4 weeks away from what could be a tough fight and could not attend. I thank those who understand and support my decision, but if I am not training properly and lose, then there would be no awards in the future anyway. I need to focus. Sana they would understand that,? said Donaire Jr. in a conversation with this Philboxing.com writer in the social media, Twitter.
The famous boxer also clarified that he did not receive a formal invitation from the group with regards to the award and the particulars to the event from Saturday night.
?I was told from writers I received (the) award but (I) never got (a) written invite so (I) didn?t know who to respond to so I told those writers,? explained Donaire Jr.
PSA president Ray Bancod of Tempo expressed his sentiments about Donaire?s absence in that article saying, ?He didn?t show up for the second straight year and, again, there was no word from him or anything.?
Bancod, according to the article tried to reach to Donaire?s people and other scribes but he did not receive any answer from the boxer or his handlers.
?I even asked help from some of the (PSA) members who are close to him (Donaire) but to no avail,? the article quoted Bancod.
Donaire told Ronnie Nathanielsz of Philboxing and The Manila Standard that he has informed Bancod?s peers of his reason why he will not be attending the awards ceremony.
?I never received an official letter from anyone stating I was awarded so those writers, who informed me, I did not hesitate to tell them I could not attend as early as January because of the fight, without the letter I did not know who to address my nonattendance to.?
?I told them way back in January pa when it was brought up on several interviews,? responded Donaire Jr. who is training at the Undisputed Gym in San Carlos, California.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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