I’ve been a boxing fan since the Ali, Frazier and Foreman years. That was during the seventies. I’ve been following the sport regularly because you cannot escape it specially if you’re Filipino. The Philippines is a boxing fanatic country. Boxing is the main sport that puts our country on the map. It gives us great pride and honor.
Even when I migrated here in the US, I was still able to watch the fights because my brother in law is a huge boxing fan. I’ve seen Roach fight before he became a great trainer. Of course there was Duran, Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and all their fights were classics.
But I didn't get too excited because there really wasn’t a Filipino boxer that dominated the sport during my time. I was in between Flash Elorde and Manny Pacquiao so I didn’t really have something to crow about but not to put down Rolando Navarette, the Espinosas and the Penalosas. They have my respect but I did not get excited compared to Pacquiao’s era.
Not only did Pacquiao transcend boxing but Pacquiao made me believe in his ability just like the all time greats like Pryor, Arguello, Duran and Leonard. He’s one of them and he’s a pure blooded pinoy.
But one of the reasons I got really excited was that It’s not only Pacquiao that’s making a name out there but there are other top notch pinoy boxers right now.
Nonito Donaire is one of them. I’ve watched his fights in Utube and the first time I saw him fight, deng! I was really impressed. He’s very fluid and accurate. He reminds me of the technical prowess of Mayweather Jr and I think he’s still getting bigger and better. I love the way he avoids his opponents’ punches just by a hair then counters. It’s really the ‘sweet science’ when you see Donaire fight.
I think Nonito has a great potential. He may not match Pacquiao’s legacy but I can tell you that I trust him to lift the Pinoy’s boxing spirit after Pacquiao.
Another thing about Nonito Donaire is that he’s into art too. I am an artist so I gave him some of my hand-painted t-shirts to show my appreciation. I attached my card on the shirts so I hope he calls. Just a wish though.
Once I read in Pacland that he’s having his media day last Saturday at the Undisputed Gym just across the bay, I decided to go and support him.
During his training, I was able to talk to Jonathan Penalosa for a while and he told me (before knowing Darchinyan's loss to King Kong Agbeko) that Darchi was their target. He said that Darchi was trying to avoid Nonito by moving up in weight. Now that Darchinyan lost, I think there’s a big chance that he will rematch Nonito which I can predict Nonito would win again. But I think It’s gonna be up to Nonito because Nonito Donaire could either fight him again or just move on. I think Donaire’s got all the aces now that Darchi lost again. But of course Donaire has to beat Rafael Concepcion in August.
Jonathatn Penalosa told me that his (Donaire) main goal is to reach the weight of Juan Manuel Lopez and fight him. That’s really gonna be exciting and I can’t wait for that to happen. I think there’s a big chance that Donaire could upset Juan Ma Lopez. I know Juanma is bigger and more powerful but I think Donaire has the ability to beat him.
I also was able to take pictures with Dodie Boy Penalosa (another pinoy world champ) and Rachel Donaire and before we left, I told Dodie Boy (teary eyed) that they make me hella proud.
You’ll find my wife and my son Miro in the picture too.
I asked my son if he likes boxing, he said no.
