THE FILIPINO FLASH HEATS UP THE ALA GYM (PHOTOS)
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 21 Apr 2014
CEBU CITY ? Nonito Donaire, Jr and sparring partner Reymi Castellano Aleye of Cuba had an superb session Monday at the ALA Gym under the watchful eyes of the Filipino Flash?s father and trainer Nonito Sr.
The boxers and trainers inside the gym were transfixed by the action; They exchanged punches at a fast pace as the afternoon heat reached its zenith. Donaire (32W-2L, 21KO?s) will be training here for two weeks to prepare for his May 31 showdown in Macau against WBA super world featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka (26W-2L,16KO?s) of South Africa.
The elder Donaire praised the skillful Cuban and said that he was tailor-made for the job. ?Aleye?s style is similar to Vetyeka,? Donaire, Sr told philboxing prior to the start of the sparring session.
Aleye is very tall, hovering around 5?10 and is very mobile with excellent combination punching. The Cuban spoke to philboxing, with the help of his countryman Gustavo Blanco who acted as interpreter, and said that sparring with Donaire has been ?an honor a great learning experience for him?.
?I help him but he also helps me to learn as a boxer,? Aleye said.
Aleye, coincidentally, lost to Donaire?s nemesis Guillermo Rigondeaux when he was an amateur. Aleye fought twice as a pro in Cambodia before moving to Cebu and has won two fights already here in the Philippines.
Donaire Sr (L) prepares his son Nonito Jr for sparring.
Donaire (R) spars with Cuba's Aleye.
Conditioning coach Nick Curson works on Donaire.
Donaire, Sr has been reviewing films of Vetyeka?s fights to prepare their fight plan. Together with conditioning coach Nick Curson, they will labor to put the four division champ into fighting shape.
After sparring, Donaire proceeded to hit the mitts and shadow boxed and had a brief exercise session with Curson before calling it a day.
Nonito?s wife Rachel was also present during the training session. Donaire will be attending a press conference in Manila tomorrow where members of the Chinese media and expected to attend. This underscores the importance and the attention this fight is getting in Macau.
Vetyeka has stopped two of Indonesia?s finest ? Daud Yordan and Chris John. Yordan lost his IBO title to Vetyeka by 12th round TKO while John?s decade long reign as WBA champ was put to a halt by Vetyeka after six rounds.
Team Donaire plan to resume their training at the ALA gym this Thursday.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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