THE RENAISSANCE CONTINUES! @filipinoflash retains his WBC bantamweight title with a powerful body shot 👏 #DonaireGaballo pic.twitter.com/B2FN9oC7tO

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 12, 2021

Nonito Donaire and Reymart Gaballo Official weights.


Both men look in excellent physical shape. Both were very cordial and respecting each other throughout out the build up of this fight. Both were looking to let their fists do the talking in the ring.

New Bantamweight title holder, Nonito Donaire's next fight could be held in Manila according to the "Filipino Flash".

“Nothing’s final but I know the promoters are talking about my next fight to be in Asia," Donaire said. Donaire won the bantamweight title against Ryan Burnet (19-1, 9 KOs) at The SSE Hydro, Glasgow. Burnett did not answer Round 5 due to injury. He was later on diagnosed having torn muscle fibre in right oblique.

With the win, Donaire moved to World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinal against Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) of South Africa.

"Tete’s a formidable opponent. As soon as I get back to Las Vegas, I’ll be studying, preparing and learning how to win my next fight. It will probably be early next year when we do the fight. I’m excited to advance to the semifinals as I’m getting closer to my goal of becoming the first Filipino undisputed world champion in any division,” Donaire said.

Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs) moved back down to 118-pound for the WBSS. His last fight at this division was in 2011 when he outpointed Omar Narvaez at the Madison Square Garden WaMu Theater, New York.

If Donaire gets past Tete in the semi-finals, he will face the winner between Japan's sensation Naoya Inoue (17-0, 15 KOs) and Emmanuel Rodriquez (19-0, 12 KOs) for the WBSS Bantamweight finals.

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Nonito Donaire stops Hungarian challenger Zsolt Bedak in the third round. In the first round, both fighters were too cautious coming in as both have powerful left hooks. But it was a cleat round to score for Donaire as he landed clean body shots.

In the second round, the action pickup was a little intense as both fighters were trying to land powerful shots. Early in this round, Donaire caught Bedak with his signature left hook that stunned the challenger. Donaire followed up and landed a solid uppercut that sends Bedak down. The referee took a count and Bedak got on his feet. Obviously, hurt but with steady legs.

Donaire looking to finish the fight but was able to control his eagerness to get a knockout victory, and not to commit mistakes as Bedak is equally powerful too.

"Bedak is also powerful, he got me on the chin with an overhand punch and I saw stars", says Donaire in Tagalog.

In the third, Donaire again landed powerful hooks that stunned Bedak and send him backpedaling. Donaire rushed in to finish the fight and Bedak down again on somewhat a push from Nonito, but it was clear that a punch landed prior to that. The referee took a count and Bedak was on his feet. But the referee was not convinced Bedak can continue and he waived the fight off.

The official time is 2:44 round 3. Donaire by TKO.

Donaire mentioned Carl Frampton and Guillermo Rigondeux as potential next opponents when he was asked by Dyan Castillejo who he wants to fight next.

TBD will be live blogging the Nonito vs Zsolt Bedak junior featherweight title fight starting 6PM (Manila Time).

Nonito Donaire (36-3, 23 KOs) will defend his 122-pound title for the first time against Hungarian challenger Zsolt Bedak (25-1, 8 KOs) in front of his home crowd at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Stay tuned as we will bring you round-by-round action.

Junior featherweight titlist Nonito Donaire and title challenger Zsolt Bedak came in under the 122-pound limit. Both men looked fit, ripped, and ready to go during the weigh-in, Friday, ahead of their 12-round title fight, at the Cebu City Sports Center on Saturday night (Manila).

The "Filipino Flash" came in at 121.3/4 pounds while his Hungarian opponent checked in at 121.5 pounds. This will be Donaire's (36-3, 23 KOs) first title defense of the title he got from his previous fight in Puerto Rico. Donaire, 33, won a decision over Cesar Juarez in an action-packed fight last December.

Although unheralded in the pro ranks, Bedak (25-1, 8 KOs) was a former Olympian and member of the Hungarian Olympic team in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Bedak notable win in the Olympics includes former 122-pound titlist Abner Mares. Bedak, 32, also held regional titles as a pro in the 118 and 122-pound divisions.

Under-card weigh-in results

• Mark Magsayo 125 lbs. vs. Chris Avalos 125 lbs. featherweights


• Jason Pagara 143 lbs. vs Miguel Zamudio 143 lbs. junior welterweights


• Paul Fleming 129 lbs. vs Angel Gonzalez 130 lbs. super featherweights

Battle-tested boxing champion Nonito Donaire will be named, for the fourth time, as Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) "Athlete of the Year" along with longest-reigning Filipino boxing champion Donnie Nietes and golfer Miguel Tabuena.

The trio will be honored during its Annual Awards Night on Feb. 13 to be held at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

Nonito Donaire

"That's awesome" was Donaire's reaction when he learned about the award according to Ronnie Natanielz. After his knockout defeat against Nicholas Walters at featherweight in 2014, Donaire registered three successive victories going back down to the 122-pound division in 2015. He demolished William Prado in two rounds in March 2015 at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, which I was able to watch live at ringside. In July 2015, Donaire duplicated his performance wiping out Anthony Settoul in Cotai Arena. Donaire topped his performance in 2015 with a bruising 12-round unanimous decision victory over tough-as-nails Mexican banger Cesar Juarez.

Donaire got the prestigious award first in 2007, and then again in 2011 and 2012.

Donaire was unable to attend the awards night in 2011 and 2012 causing 2012 PSA president Rey Bancod disgust about Donaire's no-show. In 2012, Donaire was in deep training in the US for his fight against slick boxer Guillermo Rigondeux, which he lost via decision. This time, I'm hoping Donaire would be available as he will be in Manila for his training for a fight in April.

Donnie Nietes

Picking Nietes to share the "Athlete of the Year" award is a no-brainer. He's was defeated only once in his career. He broke the record of Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, one of the greatest Filipino boxers, as the longest-reigning Filipino champion. He will be facing Moises Fuentes in a rubber match for his next title defense.

Miguel Tabuena

Tabuena defeated Scott Barr of Australia to win his first-ever Philippine Open championship. The 22-year-old golfer highlighted his performance by winning the Asian Tour.

PSA president Rey Mallari said Donaire, Nietes, and Tabuena “again showed and proved to the world what Filipino athletes are made of as proof of their triumph and success in their respective fields last year. As the country’s sources of pride, all three are truly deserving of the Athlete of the Year honor.”

THANK YOU to God for allowing me to bring back the belt to Philippines!

Thank you to my Angels for their protection.

Thank you to my TEAM who kept me in my game and training me mentally, physically, spiritually for this fight.

To my loving family for all their sacrifice and love...

To the BEST manager in the game Cameron Dunkin for looking out for me.

To Top Rank for the title opportunity...

To Motolite for continuing to believe in me.

To Mizuno for always styling us out.

To ABSCBN for always showing my fights.

To the island of Puerto Rico for welcoming as their own..

And finally to all my fans for always supporting me and never giving up on me.

My words cannot express my gratitude.

Mabuhay Pilipinas!

 

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire (36-3, 23 KO's) displayed the skills, guts, and heart of a champion and claimed the title, once again, in the super bantamweight division, in what turned out a potential Fight of the Year candidate.

The FOTY possibility could not be achieved without the unflinching guts, grits tough as a concrete nails in Cesar Juarez. He showed what it is like to be a proud warrior. Juarez (17-4, 13 KO's) may not have sound boxing skills and experience to back it up, but his heart and relentless pressure to force Donaire to fight his game made the fight so thrilling and explosive till the end.

There's no questioning about the guts, and toughness of Juarez. He was absorbing all the best shots of Donaire. Ranging from Donaire's right straight and vaunted left hook. But oh man! Juarez is such a proud warrior willing to take it all in front of the Puerto Rican crowd in Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, the difference in class was very evident. Donaire's boxing skills are way above but Juarez's heart and toughness are no doubt at a much higher level.

The Fight

The first three rounds are all about Donaire. He was light on his feet, sharp-shooting the predictable Juarez.

Things got much in Donaire's favor in Round 4.

Donaire scored two knockdowns in Round 4 in what looked like a fight that would not last the distance. Looks like another short night in favor of Donaire. But Juarez brushed the cob-webs off and continued the pressure. The younger Juarez was quick to recover in less than 10 counts from the referee. Donaire, an excellent finisher, was unable to finish the work at hand.

In Round 6, some serious concern on Donaire's corner when he slipped and got up limping. It looked like something was not right on his ankle. The referee gave him time to feel his ankle. After few seconds, he continued to fight.

In Round 7, Juarez got the better out of Donaire who seemed a little bit tired. Donaire didn't get past three rounds in disposing of opponents in his last two fights. Juarez, 24, started walking Donaire, 33, towards the ropes and then pounded him there with hard shots to the head and body. But Donaire, was able to time and counter Juarez with power left hooks and right straights that wobbled Juarez several times.

In Round 9, Donaire started back to his foot and trying to box around again with his jabs. But Juarez was persistent in stalking Donaire. His only chance is when Donaire's back against the rope enabling him to land his shots.

In the championship rounds, Donaire is well ahead of the judges' scorecards. He can disengage and dance away from Juarez if he wanted to and still won on points. But obviously, his mind is willing but his feet were not, plus the unwavering pressure of Juarez. Both men ended the fight locked nose to nose and let their hands fly till the final bell.

In the end, the official scores were: 166-110, 116-110, and 117-109 all in favor of Donaire for the unanimous decision win.

Nonito "The Filipino Flash Donaire" went to social media to apologize to his UK fans for not getting the Scott Quigg fight done. The 32-year old fighter from California was gunning for a showdown with the undefeated Quigg after winning his last two bouts by knockout since moving back super bantamweight division.

Nicholas Walters defeated Donaire in the featherweight division in October last year.

Donaire said that Quigg and his team "decided not to sign [contract] after months of negotiations", but he's still hopeful that one day he'll fight in the UK.

I personally like the fight to happen especially if it will take place in Dubai. Both men have supporters in the Emirates. There were significant numbers of Filipinos and British ex-pats in Dubai. Apart from that, there's a direct flight from UK and Philippines going to Dubai. And of course, it is also one hour and 30 minutes flight from Kuwait, which I might have a chance to watch live.

Anyway, what's stunning also is that Quigg, according to Donaire, is not fighting rival Carl Frampton either. He said that Frampton is fighting Shingo Wake - another solid contender at super bantamweight.

In another report, promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned that the Frampton-Quigg fight is very close. But according to Niall Doran of Boxingnewsandviews.com, the fight is possible in 2016.

[caption id="attachment_5911" align="alignnone" width="750"] Chavez connects a left to the head of Reyes. Photo: Naoki Fukuda[/caption]

The third week of July was perhaps the busiest boxing weekend. Here we compiled 23 results. That of course might not cover every result globally as there were professional bouts happening in the very remote areas of the globe. So that's in addition to these 23 fight results.

Here they are, the week's boxing results Roundup July 13-19:

18 July 2015

Julio César Chávez Jr. UD 10 Marcos Reyes

Chavez (49-2-1, 32 KOs) weighed over the the contracted 168-pound super middleweight limit during the official weigh-in. They let Reyes camp agreed to push the limit up to 170 pounds. Again Chavez weighed more than what is agreed. He came in at 170.8 pounds. Instead of shedding the extra baggage, he paid Reyes (33-3, 24 KOs) a penalty fee. He refused to undergo weigh-in during fight night to determine his weight. His estimated weight on fight night was between 190-200 pounds. Chavez is expected to dispatched early the undersized Reyes. But Chavez still unable to deliver what is expected, although he won on points. The official scores were: 97-92, 98-91 and 96-93.

Nonito Donaire TKO-2 Anthony Settoul

You can read here my fight report here: http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/07/donaire-delivers-a-spectacular-showing-in-macao.html

Cesar Rene Cuenca UD 12 Ik Yang

Cesar Rene Cuenca (48-0, 2 KOs) displayed a master class performance against tough brawler and China's hope for second world championship Ik Yang. Cuenca was able to lure Yang to a tactical fight from the opening round until Round 11.

He let Yang (19-1, 14 KOs) think of out-boxing him by staying in Yang's punching range but constantly moving from side to side and engaging from an angle. There's no way Yang can outbox Cuenca. Cuenca's punches were like good morning towel that wipes Yang's every morning. Yang did not make the drastic tactical adjustment until round 11, which was too late as Cuenca was too wide well ahead on the scorecards.

Yang forced Cuenca to a brawl in Round 12, which was really effective. Making it a war was Yang's right option if he wanted to win the fight but one round was not enough to rattle and topple the master tactician. Even a feather-fisted well-schooled boxer will always give trouble to a wild heavy-handed brawler.

Scott Quigg TKO 2 Kiko Martinez

If Nonito Donaire demolished Anthony Settoul in two rounds, Scott Quigg (31-0-2, 23 KOs) dispatched Spain's Kiko Martinez (32-6, 24 KOs) in two rounds too. This could set-up a Donaire-Quigg world title clash in the 122-pound division in Dubai, which is what promoter Bob Arum said. But it seemed the UK boxing fans were interested for a Quigg-Frampton showdown. Frampton won a UD against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.

Carl Frampton UD 12 Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.

Still undefeated and held the IBF junior featherweight title Carl Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs) got up from twin knockdowns he suffered in the opening round and started racking up points from there. Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) lost two points for low blows. Official scores were: 116-108, 116-108 and 115-109. With Frampton's victory, UK boxing fans were excited of a Frampton-Quigg showdown but Quigg's trainer is looking the other way around.

Joe Gallagher, Quigg's trainer, is "interested in a Donaire fight" than a title match against Carl Frampton because of his past "experience" in dealing with Frampton's handlers.

McJoe Arroyo UD Technical Decision 10 Arthur Villanueva

A highly tactical super flyweight fight that appeared unpalatable to boxing fans ringside earning boos from them. The fight has been shortened by a deep cut resulting from accidental clash of heads and the fight went to the scorecards. Villanueva (27-1, 14 KOs) deducted a point in Round 6 for coming head-first. Official scores were: 98-91, 98-91 in favor of Arroyo (17-0, 8 KOs).

Other results for 18 July 2015 :

• Chris Jenkins Draw 12 Tyrone Nurse


• Amir Imam KO-4 Fernando Angulo


• Denis Shafikov TKO-3 Roy Mukhlis


• Darleys Perez Draw 12 Anthony Crolla


• Rex Tso TKO-4 Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth


• Arthur Abraham TKO 6 Robert Stieglitz


• Fred Kassi DRAW Chris Arreola


• Charles Manyuchi TKO6 Gianluca Frezza


• Martín Murray TKO5 Mirzet Bajrektarevic

Results for 17 July 2015 :

• Sandor Martin TKO-1 Anzor Gamgebeli


• Suriyan Sor Rungvisai TKo-4 Ibuki Tanaka


• Srisaket Sor Rungvisai KO-1 Jack Amisa


• Jose Perez TKO-1 Rafael Castillo


• Takuya Kogawa UD 10 Hiroki Saito


• Nawaphon Por Chokchai (AKA Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai) TKO-3 Wiljan Ugbaniel


• Artem Dalakian UD 12 Angel Moreno


• Erkan Teper KO2 David Price

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire delivered the performance he was expected, stopping Anthony Settoul of France in the second round of their junior featherweight clash Saturday at the Cotai Arena in Macao.

Donaire (35-3, 23 KOs) dropped Settoul (20-4, 8 KOs) twice in the first round. His body punches forced Settoul to take a knee twice; first in the middle of the round and then again in dying seconds of Round 1.

Donaire was obviously in serious business not allowing his confidence to make unnecessary movements in the ring like showboating.

In the second, Donaire continued to execute the effective game plan he used in Round 1, which was keeping his punches together, setting up the power punches and careful counter-punching.

"We worked really hard for it. You know, we did everything that we need to do like the body shot, setting up the punches and of course the counter punching", says Donaire.

We'll fight the biggest guy, we'll fight the fastest guy, we'll fight the smartest guy and I will be ready this time" says Donaire when ask about what's next for him.

"Hopefully a world title shot, if God's willing."

Midway to the second round, Donaire connected a solid left hook to the head of Settoul that sent Settoul down for the third time. Settoul was able to beat the count, but as he bounced on his feet, his corner threw in a towel. Referee Tapdasan waived the contest off.

Official time: 1:41 mark in the second round.

Donaire could be up against Scott Quigg next for a world title fight. That of course if Quigg get past Kiko Martinez on Saturday night.

[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]

Multi-division world titlist Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire (34-3, 22 KOs) and his opponent Anthony Setoul (20-3, 8 KOs) of France both came in one pound over the junior featherweight limit at 123 pounds for their 10-round scheduled bout at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao on Saturday.

'IK' Yang Lian Hui (19-0,14KO's) of China, who headlines the event, weighed in at 139.8 pounds. His opponent, Cesar Cuenca (47-0,2KO's) of Argentina weighed in at 139.4 pounds.

[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

[caption id="attachment_5755" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Early fans queue at the historic Araneta Coliseum green entrance[/caption]

After four years of writing (or if you like me to call it blogging, so be it) about the sport of boxing, I have been given the opportunity to cover live boxing event. As a boxing fan, as all of you guys knew, I've been covering the sport through TV and live streaming since 2011. And I posts fight recaps, preview and predictions on every fight I've cover on this blog.

I went for a vacation to the Philippines last March 12. The "D-day" boxing event, ALA's "Pinoy Pride" 30^th edition, featuring longest reigning Filipino boxing champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, who will be defending his title against Francisco Rodriquez this Saturday,  and co-featured Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire vs. William Prado. The date of this spectacular boxing card coincided with the date of my vacation.

The fight happened last March 18 and my flight to Philippines was on March 12. I've got media accreditation with the guidance of respected Philippine Star journalist Abac Cordero. Since this is my first time, I wrote a diary of this wonderful experience. First time experience is memorable and unforgettable. Although this card, of course not the biggest fight that happened in the Philippines, but I have this card third in my list; next to "Thrila in Manila" and Pacquiao-Mira. It's still good to be well-documented.  So here’s it is, my diary of "D-day" boxing card in Manila.

The smooth travel to the venue

March 17 @ 5:00 a.m. - It was a cold Friday morning. The sun did not shine yet. But I expect another humid Philippine hot summer as soon as the sun shines. My DSLR camera, laptop, phone, pocket WiFi were all packed inside a small backpack.

I'm all set to catch my 7:55 a.m. domestic flight from Ozamiz City to Manila. For those who don't know yet, yours truly is residing in Baroy, Lanao del Norte, in Mindanao. So I need to travel for 45 minutes via plane to reach Manila.

7:00 a.m. - I reach Ozamiz airport just in time. Cebu Pacific Air flight from Manila just touchdown when I've got my backpack checked. It's the same plane that will take me to Manila. Although Cebu Pac is notorious for their delayed flights. Many complained their flights were delayed for hours and at times flights were completely cancelled without proper passenger guidance. But in fairness to Cebu Pac, all my flying experience with them were on time -- including international flights. My experience with Cebu Pac's international and local flights can be read here.

When I got inside the boarding lounge, most of the passengers were all in. Few minutes later, passengers from Manila have disembarked from the plane. After another 45 minutes, the airline announce for boarding. Since I arrived late, I did not bother to compete with other fellow passengers rushing to the queue to board the plane. I'm the last passenger who entered the plane.

7:55 a.m. - "All flight crew prepare for take off", says the pilot. I fastened my set belt and closed my eyes. I need to catch some sleep because it's gonna be a long day ahead in Manila for "D-Day" weigh-in that will takes place at 11:00 a.m. at the Araneta Coliseum green entrance and that will be on my next post that can be found here - http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/07/d-day-diary-part-ii.html

[gallery type="square" size="full" ids="5382,5381,5379,5378,5377,5376,5375,5374,5373,5372,5371,5370,5369,5368,5367,5366,5365,5329"]

 

[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.