Donaire Rises from the Ashes

Nonito Donaire Jr raises his hand in victory and earns vacant NABF Super Bantamweight Belt. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Last October Nonito Donaire suffered a devastating defeat against Nicholas Walters. The younger more powerful Jamaican KO’d the Filipino Flash in the 6^th round. In post fight interview Donaire considered retirement. Although it was painful for fans, he has done it all. No one would have to blame him if hung up his gloves. He was five-division world champion and the former WBA (Super) Featherweight champion. He was also a former IBF, WBO, The Ring Super Bantamweight, WBC, WBO Bantamweight, Interim WBA Super Flyweight, IBF and IBO Flyweight.

from left: Marc Pingris & Balls Channel Program Mktg Mngr Chris Wong. Rexona Men was one of the many sponsors of PINOY PRIDE 30 D-DAY. Their endorser PBA star Marc Pingris was ringside catching all the action. He can also be seen in ads for other Unilever brands such as Master Facial Wash and was part of Master Game Face Challenge along with Chris Tiu. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nonito has also earned the WBC Diamond Belt ‘created as an honorary championship exclusively to award the winner of a historic fight between two high-profile and elite boxers’. The ultra elite names of Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Bernard Hopkins, Jean Pascal and Sergey Kovalev have so far been the few who were awarded the prestigious Diamond Belt.

Nonito Donaire Jr used his jab more in this fight maximizing reach and height advantage. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

So when the announcement for PINOY PRIDE 30 DDAY came with Nonito co headlining it with Donnie Ahas Nietes vs Gilberto Parra, everyone knew what the fight meant for Donaire. If he lost again, it would be difficult to justify having to go on in a brutal sport that favors speed, strength and a certain amount of youth. Boxing pundits especially in the Philippines would have been happy with just Donaire winning via a decision. Thoughts of retirement came again saying if he lost to Prado it may well be his last fight.

William Prado landed a few jabs that did not do damage. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

William Prado of Brazil had a 22-5-1 record. 15 of those 22 victories were knockouts. So you couldn’t be careless with Prado who had proven knock out power.

from left: Buboy Villar & Direk Paul Soriano was ringside to promote their boxing film KID KULAFU showing April 15, 2015 in cinemas nationwide. / center in striped shirt: Moymoy Macasero was part of the team that performed ‘Filipinoflash’ walk out song along with Bassilyo and Crazymix. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015 seemed ready to explode as Nonito came out of the dug out to his own walk out music: Filipinoflash by Moymoy Macasero, Bassilyo and Crazymix.

Donaire’s jab gets through Prado’s defense. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The first round exhibited the improved strength and conditioning of Nonito. He landed the more powerful hooks to the body and head. Although Prado was firing off punches they did not seem to be as heavy. The Filipino also used his jab more maximizing his superior height and reach.

(left) William Prado’s face starts to swell as early as 1st round (right) Donaire lands killer left hook. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nonito Donaire Jr used his jab more in this fight. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Donaire pours on uppercuts as Prado turtles up. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

After the first minute of the second round Donaire had visibly staggered Prado. Cuts and swelling were visible in the Brazilian’s face. Referee Bruce McTavish was closely looking at Prado’s glassy eyes. Then came a series of uppercuts that stunned Prado and had him turtling up unable to ‘intelligently defend himself’. McTavish saw that Prado was just out on his feet getting hurt and immediately stopped the fight at the 2:16 mark of the second round. The win earned Donaire the vacant NABF Super Bantamweight Belt.

Prado’s face is cut and bloodied after barrage. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Donaire lands brutal body shot while Prado no longer intelligently defending himself. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

More than Nonito earning the victory it was the convincing fashion with which he won. The powerful stoppage convinced everyone that Donaire still has the hunger and what it takes to win against the elite fighters again.

Ref McTavish has seen enough & stops the fight at the 2:16 mark of the 2nd round. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nonito Donaire Jr raises his hand in victory and earns vacant NABF Super Bantamweight Belt. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

This time however, winning isn’t about just titles or belts. It’s about something deeper, something he wants for younger people as an example. He said, “It’s the beginning of a mission. The mission coming here is not just becoming a world champion its inspiring people out there, inspiring kids to work hard to be better. Impossibility is out of the question. That’s the mission I’m fighting for. For somebody who was put down, somebody who hit rock bottom depression wasn’t something in my mind but to rise. That’s one thing I have being Filipino in my blood in my veins that I will always rise no matter what. Take me down 7 times and I will rise 8 times, a hundred times.”

Nonito Donaire Jr raises his hand in victory and earns vacant NABF Super Bantamweight Belt. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: ABS CBN Head Integrated Sports Dino Laurena, ABS CBN Sports Consultant/Head of MNL Radio Div Peter Musngi, ALA Promotions Pres. & CEO Michael Aldeguer, Prince Albert Pagara (IBF Intercontinental Jr Featherweight Champ), Donnie Nietes (WBO World Jr Flyweight Champ), Nonito Donaire Jr (NABF Super Bantamweight Champ) and Coach/trainer Nonito Donaire Sr. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Sportscaster Ronnie Nathanielsz during the post fight press conference put the night in its proper historic perspective, “I think we need to congratulate ALA promotions and ABS CBN for putting together one of the greatest boxing cards in living memory. And they did it at the home of boxing the Araneta Coliseum. This is where Gabriel Flash Ellorde won his first World title on March 16, 1960. This is where Mohammed Ali fought Joe Frazier. And this is where Donnie Nietes and Nonito Donaire put their opponents to sleep.”

Donnie Nietes raises his hand in victory after he successfully defends his WBO World Jr Flyweight Belt for the 7th time. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Donnie Nietes in turn successfully defended his WBO World Jr. Flyweight title against Gilberto Parra via 9^th round TKO. Prince Albert Pagara Retained his IBF Inter-Continental Super bantamweight title against Rodolfo Hernandez via 5^th round TKO. Both Nietes and Donaire were elevated to the Flash Ellorde Hall of Fame last March 25.

Prince Albert Pagara successfully defends his IBF Intercontinental Jr Featherweight Belt. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The strong support of his countrymen and fighting at the SMART Araneta Coliseum gave Donaire a boost, “They gave me a lot of energy. I think that’s why I knocked this guy out early. We’re trying to plan 4-6 rounds figure him out from that point on but because of the chanting because of the energy, I could feel that energy level going to my body. I had a lot of strength I was willing to go out there make it exciting for everybody. The chant was something truly amazing.”

Donaire pours on uppercuts as Prado turtles up. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ref Mctavish sees the damage suffered by Prado. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Asked to make an assessment of Prado he said, “Thing is you can always belong in the ring until you get caught with something good. One thing I knew he had a menacing jab. He was throwing the punches except that I was countering him with the overwhelming power I had over him. Then he succumbed to my power therefore he was discouraged. He could not make any move to recover. I just overwhelmed him with my power. We knew we had a lot of power. We knew this guy was a tough guy. My dad was saying be careful what punches he’ll throw. With being first we took away all his weapons. But we didn’t expect it for him to be down as fast as he did. You saw how tough he was. He didn’t go down.”

right: Prado smirks as ref Mctavish prepares to raise Nonito Donaire Jr’s hand. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

With his own performance, Nonito thought he could still improve, “I trained myself in defense and power. Strategy wise there were still something missing for me. There’s still that lack of follow up. I was only doing one punch at a time. I rate my performance probably 7 out of 10.”

Nonito Donaire Jr used his jab more in this fight. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The win though proved his current abilities, “It was a statement where Nonito Donaire is at. Meaning if I had trouble with him I wasn’t at that level. And you could see the difference in talent. There are prospects and up and coming guys and give everything that I have. I did show I was above that level. I think I’m ready to step up again which is the elite level. My power was just incredible if I put it up. But mainly I had a good jab. That’s something we’re gonna develop. Usually you could hit me because I’m right in front of you. So that’s one thing we’re very proud of tonight. I’m not getting hit and being effective at the same time. ”

Rexona Men was one of the many sponsors of PINOY PRIDE 30 D-DAY. Their endorser PBA star Marc Pingris was ringside catching all the action. He can also be seen in ads for other Unilever brands such as Master Facial Wash and was part of Master Game Face Challenge along with Chris Tiu. Photo by Jude Bautista

Donaire has expressed interest in fighting either WBC Super Bantamweight Champ Leo Sta. Cruz or WBA, WBO Super Bantam weight Champ Guillermo Rigondeaux. “We got to see where I’m at in terms of my ability. I feel we are still at the elite level and we can compete with guys like Rigondeux, Sta Cruz. So it depends on where I rank and it depends on what my manager and promoter are willing to do. For now next week come back to the gym and get ready for the next fight.”

3 champs from left: Nonito Donaire Jr (NABF Super Bantamweight Champ), Donnie Nietes (WBO World Jr Flyweight Champ) & Prince Albert Pagara (IBF Intercontinental Jr Featherweight Champ). PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

A fan takes selfie with Ring Announcer Ted Lerner. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

On a personal note it was the first time that wife Rachel was not able to accompany him for a fight. The couple is anticipating the birth of their second son. She had to stay home on doctor’s orders because of her condition: placenta previa. Although its not life threatening to mother or child, staying home was a precaution the doctors insisted on. Otherwise she would have been ringside just like Donaire’s previous fights.

Diane Castillejo interviews Nonito Donaire Jr after win. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

This was also the first time Nonito was away from his wife and child for more than a month. He felt a small measure of the difficulties according to him that millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) experience being away from their families. That’s why he dedicated this win for them along with soldiers who sacrifice so much for their loved ones.

Nonito confers w dad and Coach Nonito Donaire Sr. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Thankful for the chance to fight at SMART Araneta Coliseum he added, “Being in front of everyone grabe. Just the chant, kaya sabi ng father ko na dala ako sa chant nila. I love the fact this is my home. I love the fact nandito mga taong nagbigay sakin ng support, prayers. So gusto ko ibigay lahat. Kaya nung nagchant sila I wanted to give it all and I did.”

PINOY PRIDE 30 D-DAY was truly a proud day for the Philippines. It was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nonito Donaire Jr’s deadly right hook lands; PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Ref Mctavish looks at Prado closely; PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Donaire’s killer left hook; PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Nonito Donaire Jr raises his hand in victory and earns vacant NABF Super Bantamweight Belt. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao is joined by Nonito Donaire Jr. & Donnie Nietes in the Ellorde Hall of Fame and as WBC Diamond Belt holders. Rexona Men was one of the many sponsors of PINOY PRIDE 30 D-DAY. Their endorser PBA star Marc Pingris was ringside catching all the action. He can also be seen in ads for other Unilever brands such as Master Facial Wash and was part of Master Game Face Challenge along with Chris Tiu.

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Ronnie Nathanielsz moderates the post fight presscon. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Fans shoot Nonito w their i-phones and androids during post fight press con. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Nonito’s impersonator shadow boxes in front of his idol. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Impersonator cracks up Nonito after calling Nonito Sr his father. PINOY PRIDE 30 D-Day was held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 28, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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