Donaire arrives, seeks reconciliation

IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. arrived early yesterday morning on a Philippine Airlines flight from San Francisco and said his newfound celebrity status won’t affect the way he sacrifices to give honor to the country in every fight.

Solar Sports brought Donaire over for a 10-day whirlwind trip to introduce him to media as boxing’s latest hero. He is scheduled for TV appearances in “Unang Hirit” “Eat Bulaga” and the PBA, photo shoots for “Rogue” and “Men’s Health” and radio interviews on “Boys Night Out” “Max” and “Sports Talk.” 

“This won’t change me as a person,” said Donaire who is visiting with his mother Imelda and girlfriend Rachel Marcial. “I’ll never forget my beginnings. I know poverty. Every day, I thank God for His blessings. I want to inspire and motivate others to do what I did the way others inspired and motivated me. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to become a world champion and to bring honor to my country.”

Donaire, 25, said talk of a brewing rift with his US promoter Gary Shaw is exaggerated.

“I have nothing against Gary,” said Donaire. “There’s been some miscommunication and I know we can sort things out as soon as we sit down. I was told Gary will be coming to Manila and I hope to meet with him. Whatever he decides, I’ll do. I’m a fighter. I don’t choose my opponents. I’ll fight whomever Gary wants.”

Donaire admitted he is to blame for the speculation on a supposed rift.

“I’m not used to media hype and controversy,” he said. “I should know better than to just shoot my mouth off. I’ve got a live contract with Gary and I intend to abide by its terms. If Gary wants me to fight one of the two Japanese champions in April, I’ll do it. One of my goals is to unify the championship so that’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Donaire’s mother left for Buenavista, Bohol, on the 3 p.m. flight yesterday to visit her ailing father Francisco. Donaire will also visit his grandfather, to whom he dedicated his victory over Luis Maldonado early this month. Although Donaire was born in General Santos City, he traces his roots to Talibon, Bohol. His mother’s brother Fr. Matias Gonzales is the Buenavista parish priest.

Today, Donaire flies to Cebu as guest of the makers of Arthro herbal medicine which he endorses.

Donaire said he will train even while on vacation to make sure his weight is kept under control. His regimen includes running and doing leg drills with Marcial, a Fil-Am taekwondo champion from San Francisco.

“A week after my fight against Maldonado, I went up to 135 pounds,” said Donaire who tipped the scales for his first title defense at 111, one under the flyweight limit. “Then I began to do workouts and brought down my weight to 124. Now, I’m about 130. Weight doesn’t worry me. All I need is two months preparation for a fight and I’ll take on anyone.”

Donaire said he will make it standard procedure to train in Cebu for each fight. He trained in Tony Aldeguer’s facility for the Maldonado bout. Donaire bloodied the Mexican challenger, dropped him in the seventh round and scored a stoppage in the eighth.