MANILA, Philippines - Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. resumed his training in Baguio as he stepped up his buildup for his defense of the 112-lb crown against Raul Martinez on March 22 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Donaire, 26, was in Manila last week to attend the press conference of his 12-round showdown against the undefeated Mexican-American fighter in a card that will also feature Fil-Am Brian Viloria, who will challenge Mexican Ulises Solis for the IBF light-flyweight crown.
Held at the Manila Hotel last Friday, the press launch also had a live phone patch interview with Viloria and promoter Bob Arum, whose Top Rank co-promotes the boxing card together with Solar Sports.
Later in the night, Donaire was honored with a major award in pro boxing during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night.
The break in his training came as World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight king Gerry Peñalosa – Donaire’s trainer – fought Mexican German Meraz in a non-title bout in Cebu that serves as a tuneup for his April showdown with world champion Juan Manuel Lopez.
Peñalosa beat Meraz via unanimous decision.
“That weekend break was certainly a relief, but this is not the time to take things easy because I know Martinez is a dangerous foe,” said Donaire, holder of a 20-1 record, including 13 KOs.