[caption id="attachment_5768" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Filipino light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes on the scales during the D-Day Official weigh-in[/caption]

D-Day official weigh-in

March 17 @ 10:00 a.m. - I went out of Manila International Airport terminal III. I still have an hour before the official weigh-in starts. I took a bus to Taft Avenue to catch a train (LRT) to Cubao station. From Cubao, it's walking distance to the weigh-in venue.

When I was inside the bus, sitting at the back sit a Chinese young lady sits beside me. She's around in her mid 20s, fair complexion, slim and pretty. She's wearing a simple blouse and skirt above the knee. A big round brown hat sits on her lap. She seemed alone.

"Hi how are you?" I tried to open up a conversation. "Hello!" her short reply to me.

I ask her where she's going and she said she wanted to buy some post stamp as a souvenir. She's in her last day as a tourist. Her flight will be tonight. She said she will be going to Mall of Asia, which is in the opposite direction. I give her the right direction how to go to MOA.

We disembarked from the bus together and we parted ways. I stopped for a while in a corner where you can find the famous Manila street vendors selling stuffs. I bought few sticks of cigarette, lighted one smoke for few minutes. Few minutes later, I started climbing the stairs leading to the LRT ticket booth, when I saw her moving in the same direction.

"Hey! You're supposed to take a bus at the other side of the highway going to MOA?" I told her.

She looks confused. I bought ticket for two to Cubao and told her to come with me and buy those post stamps from there. I wanted to help her. Filipinos are very hospitable people. But there are few who take advantage to some foreigners that look uncertain of their direction and alone. So I offered my help. I told her to be careful.

Although as a Filipino I don't like the way how the Chinese behaving the disputed Spratly Islands but I didn't hesitate to help her. I've been in foreign lands too and I know the risk being lost in a metropolis.

We boarded the train together and we are on our way to the weigh-in venue. While on the train, I told her stories about boxing. I asked her if she known Zou Shiming... to my surprise she said "I don't know him". I thought Shiming is so huge in China. But not all people in China know him, or maybe she just doesn't care about boxing at all.

@ 11:00 a.m. - we are heading to the Araneta Coliseum and the weigh-in already started. I told her that I can't be with her around because I will be covering the weigh-in. I showed her the mall complex. I also showed her the direction how to get back to the airport too. Before that, we had lunch together at Jollibee Farmers Plaza. She left and said thank you several times. I reminded her to take care. I'm happy that in my little way I helped her. I watch her walked away till I lost sight of her. Then, I shifted my sight to the weigh-in. This is it!

"Can I come inside" I told to one of the security guard that secures the perimeter of "D-Day" boxing weigh-in. I've got no clear answer. Although, I'm hesitant to come in, you know... it's my first time, but I came in anyway.

I expected a huge crowd at the weigh-in. Boxing took a huge leap to prominence in the Philippines because of Pacquiao's accomplishments. If it was Pacquiao's weigh-in regardless of opponent, there must be massive crowd. But local fighters other than Pacquiao, even if the fight is held in the country's capital, don't have the massive support from Filipinos. Boxing is just secondary to basketball in the Philippines.

The venue of the weigh-in was the historic Araneta Coliseum. The venue of one the greatest fight in the sport of boxing: The "Thrila in Manila" in 1978, the final battle between Mohammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The weigh-in was situated near the Araneta Coliseum green entrance.

I took my camera and started taking pictures at the undercard fighters taking their turn at the weighing scale.



Moments later, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire's name was called by respected boxing analyst and journalist, Ronnie Natanielsz. Nonito came out. The look of his face showed he's so damn serious and ready to rumble. Moving back to 122 pound, Donaire's physique looked so strong. The baby fats hanging around his waist during the Nicholas Walters weigh-in can't be seen on Donaire's super bantamweight frame.

William Prado, Donaire's opponent, who tipped the scales earlier, stood beside Donaire for the photo-ops. Then I experience watching for the first time fighters doing the "face-off" live in front of me. It was a wonderful feeling. I can feel the intensity and tension. I can feel Donaire's desire to win this fight. He was knockout by Nicholas Walters in his previous fight. This time he's all business. I can see it in his blazing eyes. You can view the photos that I took during the weigh-in by clicking the link here: http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/03/pinoy-pride-30-weigh-in-photos.html

Next on the scale are the main event fighters.  Nathanielzs called Gilberto Parra onto the scales and then Donnie Nietes followed. Both men were right in the light flyweight limit 108 lbs. They looked strong and ready to rumble. Nietes really looks comfortable at the weight although he's been fighting at 108 lbs for several years and I heard few times that he's moving up to flyweight.

Parra also seemed comfortable at the weight but looked a little bit pale. His 18 wins although most of them were contested at the light flyweight limit Parra did weighed several pounds over in few fights. He even fought at flyweight in his fifth professional fight weighing in 112.5 lbs in the official weigh-in. But there's no serious indication that he struggled to make weight.

So, without any weight issues to all fighters, I'm so excited for fight night.

Read "D-Day" Diary Part I - http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/07/d-day-diary.html

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[caption id="attachment_5356" align="alignright" width="2256"] Donnie Nietes retains junior flyweight title / Photo: Retech Son[/caption]

Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, (35-1-4, 21 KO’s), longest reigning Filipino champion, defended his junior flyweight title against Mexican Gilberto Parra. The Mexican was stop after Round 9. Parra (19-3, 17 KO's) was not allowed to answer the bell to begin Round 10. He suffered a nasty cut below his left eye from a Nietes’ solid right hand.

Upon the advice of ringside physician, referee Jack Reiss stopped the contest.

Before the stoppage, Nietes dropped Parra in Round 8. He landed a hard right to the head that sent Parra down. The crafty Mexican was able to beat the count and continue with wobbled legs. He’s hanging on to dear life until the end of Round 8, as Nietes was so determine to finish the challenger.

But Parra to his credit, used lateral movements, reach advantage and evaded finishing blows from the champion.

During the post-fight conference, ALA boss Michael Aldequer says that Donnie Nietes will face Francisco Rodriquez on July 4 in Cebu. And already had preliminary talks with Zanfer Promotions about an Estrada fight.

[caption id="attachment_5358" align="alignnone" width="2256"] Nonito Donaire pummels over-matched William Prado of Brazil, as referee Bruce Mc Tavish getting ready to step in to halt the contest. Photo: Retech Son[/caption]

Nonito Donaire scores an impressive TKO victory over William Prado

In the co-feature bout of the night, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (34-3, 21 KO’s) scored a second round knockout victory over William Prado (22-4-1, 15 KO’s) of Brazil. In the first round, it is obvious Prado had no match with Donaire’s fire power. Although Prado was moving forward to Donaire, but was not throwing any significant punches.

In Round 2, Donaire opened up with series of haymakers from his vaunted left hook. He wobbled Prado and didn’t waste time to finish the business at hand. He pummeled Prado to the ropes until referee Bruce Mc Tavish stepped in to save Prado from further damage.

Donaire, decided to move back down in weight to 122 pounds for this fight after a knockout defeat over much bigger and stronger Nicholas Walters at featherweight.

With the win, Donaire aims another title fight before the year ends at 122 -- a division whom he dominated in 2012 and named fighter of the year, winning all four fights in the same year.
In an interview, Donaire called out Leo Santa. And also said he's open for a rematch with master tactician Guillermo Rigondeaux.

“I’m all in” says Nonito Donaire when ask about a possible rematch with 122 pound division champion--Guillermo Rigondeaux or a showdown with fast-rising star Leo Santa Cruz.

Rigondeaux is the 122 pound world champion according to the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.

Rigondeaux defeated Donaire when they first met in April 2013.

[caption id="attachment_5359" align="alignright" width="2256"] Albert Pagara connects a jab to Rodolfo Hernandez. Photo: Retech Son[/caption]

Albert Pagara retires Rodolfo Hernandez after Round 4

Albert Pagara (23-0, 16 KO’s) maintained unbeaten record by preventing Rodolfo Hernandez (26-6-1, 24 KO’s) to leave his corner to start the fifth stanza. According to Hernandez's corner, he injured his hand and is unable to continue.

Pagara has superior fire power over the Mexican who was knockdown in the first round.

According to Aldequer, Pagara will begin training in the States in preparation for a fight in Dubai on June 12 against an opponent yet to be named.

Longest reigning Filipino champion Donnie Nietes and his opponent Parra both came in at the junior flyweight limit at 108 pounds. Nietes will headline the 30th edition of the very successful Pinoy Pride series.

In the co-feature, multi-division world titlist Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and Brazil’s William Prado both came in at 122 lbs for their NABF super bantamweight bout. It was reported earlier that Donaire had problem cutting down in weight. But on Friday at the weigh-in at historic Araneta coliseum (now Smart Araneta) had no problems making the contractual weight.

“Prince” Albert Pagara also came in at 122 lbs while his opponent Mexican Rodolfo Hernandez weighed 121 lbs. Pagara’s will defend his IBF Inter-continental title.

Pinoy Pride 30 fighters will host media workout on March 24 at the ALA Gym, Balete Drive. Longest reigning Filipino champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, 2012 FOTY Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire and unbeaten prospect Albert Pagara will host media workout. The fighters will showcase what they've got so far during several weeks of training.

Pinoy Pride 30, dubbed "D-Day" will be on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta, Cubao, Quezon City.

Nietes (34-1-4, 20 KO's) will headline the event. He will defend his WBO light flyweight title against Mexico's Gilberto Parra. The Mexican has an impressive record of 19 wins, 17 by way of knockout, with only two defeats.

Donaire (33-3, 21 KO's) will be back in action. And he will co-feature the event against Brazil’s William Prado who has 22 wins, four defeats and a draw. Donaire will move back down to 122 pound division following his unsuccessful ran at 126 pound division.

Although struggling at featherweight, Donaire had two wins. He won a title from Simpewe Vetyeka. And a knockout victory over former rival Vic Darchinyan while behind the scorecards.

But on Donaire’s third try at featherweight, he was knocked out by a much bigger and stronger Nicholas Walters. After the defeat, he decided to move back down to junior featherweight.

Young prospect, Albert Pagara (22-0, 15 KO's) faces knockout artist, Mexico's Rodolfo Hernandez (26-5-1, 24 KO's). The IBF Inter-continental super bantamweight title will be on the line. I expect a non-stop action till one will drop in this fight. It might steal the show. Don't miss it.

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. will return to the ring against William Prado of Brazil on March 28. The scheduled bout will be Donaire's first fight in the Philippines since 2009. Donaire last fought in the Philippines was against Raul Martinez. He won via fourth round knockout.

This is also Donaire's comeback fight after his devastating knockout loss to Nicholas Walters. Against Prado, Donaire will move back down to 122-pound division. The junior featherweight division was Donaire's previous kingdom. He reigned as the king in year 2012. He first captured the vacant WBO strap in February 2012. He won by decision against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. And then he won another decision over Jeffrey Mathebula for the IBF strap.

Donaire (33-3, 21 KO's) registered two more victories in 2012. He knocked out Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan in October. And he demolished veteran champion Jorge Arce of Mexico in December. With four victories in 2012, Donaire was the consensus 2012 "Fighter of the Year". It was a successful 2012 campaign for Donaire at the 122-pound division. But a dangerous challenger observes in the sideline -- the current 122-pound king Guillermo Rigondeuax.

Donaire's returned to the ring the following year.  Master tactician and Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux dethrone Donaire from his iron throne. Rigo, the most decorated amateur boxer in history, handed Donaire his first defeat since 2001.

Having a new king his most comfortable territory, Donaire decided to leave the 122 pound kingdom to Rigondeaux. He did not demand for a rematch. He planned to conquer another unfamiliar territory. Donaire moved up to the featherweight division. And he won an infamous fifth round technical decision over Simpewe Vetyeka. Vetyeka, was the conqueror of the great Chris John of Indonesia.

With the win at his first try at the featherweight territory, Donaire had big plans ahead. He planned for one title defense. And then move up again to super featherweight division to face rugged veteran Orlando Salido. That was the plan. But he must pass the test of one dangerous challenger, a true featherweight -- Nicholas Walters.

In October 2014, Donaire tasted how it feels to be dominated. Not by a superior skilled fighter, but because of enormous size disadvantage. Walters, with the size advantage of a true featherweight, withstands Donaire's best power shots. But Donaire was not able to take his.

On March 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines, Donaire will move back down to his ideal fighting weight. With Prado in the opposite corner of the ring, Donaire is in a must-win situation if he wants to start his quest -- a quest to regain his earlier status in the ring.

Nonito's father and trainer Donaire Sr. considers Prado a "tough guy". Although Prado is 3-3 from his last six bouts, but has a total of 21 KO's in his 33 victories, including a first round TKO win in his last bout.

At 32 years old, Donaire maybe in the other side of the hill on his way down. But his power truly resides at the 122-pound division. When his left hook find its home, it could kiss the night goodbye.