Back in 2012, and at the young age of 30 years old, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire was on top of the world.
During that calendar year, Donaire was 31-1 and was the lineal World Super Bantamweight Champion. Endorsement were flying left and right. “The Filipino Flash” became a brand and the Filipino was everywhere, from various television guestings to even a co-starring role in a movie. The great year was capped by him being named as the unanimous 2012 Fighter of the Year.
“When he became the fighter of the year fours years ago, he was on top of the boxing world,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said.
In his first fight for 2013, Donaire dropped his belts to still unbeaten Cuban boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux via a unanimous decision. It was just one loss and the Filipino was able to recover from it in stringing together two straight wins that copped him the WBA World Super Featherweight belt.
Donaire made his first title defense of his new belt in October 18, 2014 against Jamaican Nicholas Walter (26-0-1). Donaire was able to connect with a few power shots early in the bout but seemed to be out-of-sync for the entire duration of the fight. The Filipino was knocked down twice by the Jamaican, the second calling for a stoppage prior to the end of the sixth round. This was the first time Donaire was finished in a bout. “When he lost to Nicholas Walters, it was a wake-up call to him,” Aldeguer reflected.
Outside the ring, Donaire experienced personal problems that affected his training. Moreover, he had to rebuild himself if he wanted to return to boxing’s elite.
“Malaking pagbabago kay Nonito is yung nagkukusa na siya. Nag-jojogging na siya at nagtratraining na siya ng kusa,” 2016 Elorde Trainer of the Year and father Nonito Donaire Sr. said about his son. “Hindi ko na kailangan utusan na magtraining. Nag-traitrain na siya mag-isa.”
Nonito Donaire with Anthony Settoul during their bout in Macau
This self-discipline and initiative bore fruit as he absolutely demolished William Prado in Manila and Anthony Settoul in Macau en route to a title shot against Cesar Juarez in Puerto Rico. Donaire displayed the heart of a true Filipino warrior in outlasting and, eventually, outpointing his Mexican foe to win the WBO Super Bantamweight title.
So what ignited the fire once more for the “Filipino Flash”? It was the birth of his second son Jarel Logan. With two kids and a loving wife, Donaire is no longer fighting for himself. He is now fighting for the honor of his father and two sons.
“Nagkukusa na siya dahil very matured na siya ngayon. Lumalaban siya para sa pamilya niya,” his proud father told Tiebreaker Times. Aldeguer then added, “Nonito is a changed man. He gained the discipline and what changed with him is his focus to his family.”
“The heart of Nonito is too big for boxing. He still has a long career in the sport.”
With his son embracing the grind, Donaire Sr. is hoping that the Filipinos continue to support his son even through the ups and the downs.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga Filipino at fans ni Nonito na nagdadasal para manalo siya bukas. Sana magtuloy-tuloy pa yung suporta sa kanya. Kahit live or sa TV, malaking bagay iyon para kay Nonito,” Donaire Sr. closed.
