Donaire severs ties with dad

IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr.’s manager Cameron Dunkin said yesterday it’s in the best interest of the Filipino Flash to move forward in his career without father and trainer Nonito Sr. in the team.

Donaire Jr. confirmed that he will no longer work with his long-time trainer because of personal differences.

Donaire Sr., who flew in from the US last weekend, has publicly denounced his son’s wife Rachel for causing the split. He said his son was sluggish in his recent fight against Moruti Mthalane because he never kept away from Rachel during his training.

Dunkin told The Star in a long distance phone call that “it’s time for Nonito to go off and do his own thing.” He said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum supports the decision and is now arranging for Donaire Jr.’s next fight in Manila or Macau this March.

“I think Nonito’s father was upset and emotional when his son got married,” said Dunkin. “I don’t think he really meant what he told the press about Rachel. Nobody hates Rachel. Top Rank and I appreciate what Rachel does for Nonito. We certainly don’t hate her. It’s ridiculous for anyone to even insinuate she has taken over Nonito’s training.”

Dunkin said he couldn’t understand Donaire Sr.’s bitterness towards his son.

“I really don’t know where this is coming from,” said Dunkin. “Maybe, emotions are getting the better of a father who lost his son to marriage. Nonito’s father is a good guy and we’re all fine here. Nonito had a great training camp and made the weight easy. I don’t know why his father is upset. Nonito’s been winning. There’s really no reason to be upset.”

Dunkin said Arum wants to put an end to the word war launched by Donaire Sr. in media.

“We want Nonito to be focused,” said Dunkin. “We’ve got big plans ahead. But when emotions get in the way, logic sometimes goes out the frigging window. As far as Nonito and Top Rank are concerned, everything is fine. As to whom Nonito will fight next, it could be Jorge Arce, Fernando Montiel or somebody else. Arce doesn’t seem to be too keen on fighting Nonito now and might just take on Vic Darchinyan instead. Montiel is also hesitant. But for sure, we’ll have a worthy opponent for Nonito in March.”

Donaire Jr. said he could never imagine a father trying to ruin his son’s career by spreading lies.

“Just before the (Luis) Maldonado fight, my father wanted me to sign a contract giving him 20 percent of my endorsement fees and 12 percent of my purses,” said Donaire Jr. “Why would he do that? I was really bothered. Then, before the Mthalane fight, he asked Cameron what would happen if I lose. I’m not sure if he wanted me to win or lose.”

A source in Donaire Jr.’s camp said his father wanted too much money. He took half of the $10,000 training money for Donaire Jr.’s cancelled fight in Dubai from Gary Shaw and advanced another $5,000.

“It’s all about money,” said the source. “He was paid $1,500 a month and his lodging was paid for, too, during the two-month training in addition to his share of the purse. When his advance of $8,500 was deducted from $30,000 as his share of the purse for the Mthalane fight, he complained. He still got about $21,500 plus the monthly allowance and even got the food money of some of the guys in the team. He even asked for a $5,000 advance from the next purse after the Mthalane fight.”

Donaire Jr. said his father has lost his focus as a trainer.

“I can’t work with him anymore,” said Donaire Jr. “I’m a grown man. I don’t think it’s right that he disrespects Rachel. I know what’s good for me and he knows I’ll never do anything to ruin my career. I’m thankful to Rachel for everything she does. When Top Rank calls, I send Rachel because I only want to focus on boxing, nothing else. Rachel gets me ready to train, to run, fixes my things, cooks my food. I can’t see why he’s so angry with her.”

Donaire Jr. said for his next fight, he will likely tap former junior welterweight champion Morris East or Honolulu trainer Bobby Villaver to assist in his corner.

“My father and I are all squared,” said Donaire Jr. “I don’t owe him anything. He doesn’t owe me anything. He’s my father and I respect him but he should respect me, too. He shouldn’t try to turn the world against his own son by badmouthing me and my wife. I’ll never disclose the things he did to my mom and our family because no matter what, he’s still my father.”

Donaire Jr. said he’ll be back in the gym next week. The splint and cast on his broken left pinkie will be removed in a month. He will spend the Christmas holidays in Manila with his mother, wife and in-laws.