Donaire hopes to pull off win for dad, crowd

MANILA, Philippines - If he could have his way, Nonito Donaire Jr. would love to see his old man, Nonito Sr. at ringside when he defends his IBF and IBO flyweight titles against unbeaten Mexican Raul Martinez on Sunday.

Nonito Jr. last year had a falling out with his father and since then has trained under former world light-flyweight and flyweight champion Dodie Boy Peñalosa.

Nonito Jr. said his father is in Cebu training some of his own boxers, and until today isn’t sure if he’s coming to watch his title defense at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I sent him front-row tickets for the fight. I’d love to see him there. Just because he’s no longer in my corner doesn’t mean he’s no longer my father,” he told The STAR in a brief chat.

During yesterday’s press conference at the Manila Hotel, Nonito Jr. said he’s dedicating his fight to his father.

“Yes, I want to dedicate this fight to him. But I’m not sure if he’s coming. I haven’t talked to him. There’s an invitation. He can come with my mom and be with my wife, Rachel,” said the champion.

But with or without his father, Nonito Jr. said he’d going all out for the win since this is the first time he’ll be fighting as a champion before his proud countrymen.

Also gracing the press conference were IBF light-fly champion Ulises Solis who will defend his crown, and his reputation as a beater of Pinoy boxers, against Fil-American Brian Viloria.

“As you know I had a pretty good streak against Filipino fighters (Bert Batawang, Rodel Mayol and Glenn Donaire) – three in a row,” said Solis, who nonetheless expects a tough fight from Viloria.

The boxer nicknamed the “Hawaiian Punch” has won five fights in a row, but some serious questions on his current status remain.

“I had a great year last year and I want to bring that to the fight on Sunday and hopefully win the world championship,” said Viloria.

“Downhill or on the rise he’s dangerous because he’s good, he’s fast,” said Solis of Viloria.

It’s Donaire’s first fight under Peñalosa who himself feels some pressure because it’s the first time he’s training a world champion aside from his younger brother, Gerry Peñalosa.

“There’s also pressure on me. If Nonito wins by knockout or decision it doesn’t matter,” said Peñalosa who battled polio to become a two-time world champion during the ’80s.

Martinez, undefeated in 24 fights with 14 knockouts, has been in the country for three days now, and said that as of yesterday he’s well inside the 112 lb flyweight limit.

“But this fight is not going to be easy. It won’t be easy for him and it won’t be easy for me. It’s going to be war. I just hope to come out as the winner,” said Martinez.