MANILA, Philippines – The “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire once more reigns atop the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) Superbantamweight class after disposing off Mexican Cesar Juarez in their title fight held in Puerto Rico aired in ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Sports + Action.
Donaire became one of two active Filipino champions (the other being Donnie Nietes) after snatching the belt for his comeback tour and his record now stands at 36-3 with 23 KOs after getting through on the scorecards following a bad ankle twist when he slipped accidentally inside the ring. “Juarez just keeps on coming and coming at you. He’s always in your face. And I really liked that,” the champ said during his visit to ABS-CBN care of the thanksgiving breakfast hosted by chairman Gabby Lopez III, new president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, and ABS-CBN Sports head Dino Laurena.
The Pinoy boxing star says that this is only a part of the journey and that the comeback is just getting started in full. He had nothing but praises for Juarez who he said fought really well and was reminded a bit of Vic Darchinyan, the Armenian slugger whom he knocked out to win his first title.
“Darchinyan really packs power. Juarez, on the other hand, is the tougher one. He never gets tired even if he takes a big hit. But both of them are good, great fighters,” he said. Donaire did not rule out a rematch with Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux adding, “now that I have this (WBO Superbantamweight belt), we can definitely work something out. I believe that if you really want to prove it (beating Donaire), you have to do it twice. But I’m not ruling out other fights.”
“We’re really happy for Jun and continue to wish him the best in all his endeavors and future fights. ABS-CBN Sports will always support the Filipino Flash and air his fights for the Filipinos to see,” said ABS-CBN Sports head Dino Laurena.
At the moment, Donaire is focused on being a father to his two sons Jarel and Jarel Logan, being a husband to former Taekwondo champ wife Rachel, and enjoying his latest victory.
Fight fans can catch fights of Nonito Donaire as well as their Pinoy Pride boxing cards on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Sports + Action. Follow ABS-CBN Sports on their website sports.abs-cbn.com for more information.