Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. Wins The WBA Interim World Super Flyweight Title

Donaire’s opponent, Rafael Concepcion had a difficult start, being fined twenty percent of his $65,000 purse for being four and half pounds over the 115- pound weight limit. Half of the $13,000 fine went to the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the other half went to Donaire. The extra weight did not make him stronger, and was still not enough for him to win the fight. Donaire entered the ring in customized Philippine-themed boxing boots and a yellow robe with red trimmings in memory of the late President Corazon Aquino with Aquino’s name at the back of his robe and trunks. 

 

With his dedicated trainers Dodie and Jonathan Penalosa, (known as the Penalosa brothers) and a quick, strong intelligence in the ring, Nonito was able to capture Concepcion’s super flyweight title. During the second round, Donaire opened a cut on Concepcion’s left eyelid but failed to monopolize on his misfortune as the Panamanian retaliated with his own punch combinations. Towards the third round, Donaire also suffered a small cut on his upper right eye. Concepcion was aggressive in the sixth round but Donaire knew how to get out of the corners as the Panamanian found it difficult to trap “the Filipino Flash.” In the eighth round, Concepcion was hurt after Donaire landed a powerful right punch towards his bleeding right eye, leaving both eyes impaired. Concepcion attempted to fire back in the tenth round with a combination of punches but Donaire was able to evade them. Towards the eleventh round, Concepcion looked tired and hurt but became even more aggressive. Donaire closed the fight by relying on his jab to control the final two rounds to secure the win. All three judges gave the fight to Donaire, who offered the victory to the late former President Corazon Aquino and to all his dedicated Pilipino fans who filled the venue to capacity. 

 

Nonito Donaire Jr. and his posse celebrated his victory that night in club Risque at the Paris Hotel. While on a Las Vegas retreat, Team Bakitwhy had the pleasure of meeting him and congratulating him on his recent success at Risque. Donaire was born in Taliban, Bohol Philippines, but spent most of his life in San Leandro, California. The Bay Area native moved to the United States from General Santos City, Philippines at age 10, and considers himself Pilipino first, feeling the Pil-Am immigrant’s familiar split between two worlds.  

 

In an article that asks 'Is Filipino Flash' Donaire the Next Manny Pacquiao?’ by boxing.fanhouse.com, Nonito Donaire confirms his feelings of apprehension and inspiration when compared to the Pilipino boxing icon. "It's big pressure, when I think about it,'' Donaire concedes, "and there are times when I feel I can't push myself anymore, when it all gets to me, the expectations that everyone has. When they're calling me the next Manny Pacquiao, that truly keeps me going. I don't want to let anyone down. It pushes me and inspires me to do my best and to keep looking forward, like Manny Pacquiao does. We want to make the Pilipino people proud." Two days after the win over Concepcion, Donaire arrived to a rousing welcome in Manila, Philippines where he was celebrated in a victory motorcade and given a P500,000 bonus from Mayor Alfredo Lim. He has also recently joined the third season of Celebrity Duets, an interactive reality based singing competition on GMA 7 television network. Manny Pacquiao led the way in congratulating “The Filipino Flash" for giving pride and honor to the country by winning the WBA interim super flyweight title. Donaire was equally thankful to Pacquiao, saying the reigning pound-for-pound king served as his model and inspiration according to GMA News.TV.
 

To date, Nonito has fought 23 matches-22 wins (14 by knock out), and one loss. Nonito is now ranked the seventh pound for pound professional boxer with Pacquiao ranked as the number one in the world (according to Ring Magazine) putting the Pinoy fighter on the international map. 

 

Let Freedom ‘Ring’: History of Pilipinos In the Boxing Ring