Enrile confident Nonito will come back

MANILA, Philippines - “Win some, lose some. I have no doubt that Nonito Donaire would bounce back from this temporary setback.”

Thus said UNA senatorial candidate Jack Enrile over the unanimous decision win scored by Cuban boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux over Donaire yesterday in their junior featherweight unification bout.

“The whole nation was hoping for a victory by Donaire but even in defeat he showed the heart of a Filipino fighter. He gave his very best. I for one would want to see a rematch between Donaire and  Rigondeaux,” said Enrile.

He noted that Donaire even knocked down Rigondeaux in the 10th round.

Enrile added that Filipino boxers and the many youth who are hoping to follow their footsteps should not be disheartened over the successive losses of Donaire, Brian Viloria and Manny Pacquiao.

“That’s the reality of sports; win some and lose some. The important thing is how to learn from setbacks, retool and get back on the winning track,” said Enrile.

The founder of the Philippine Practical Shooting Association, Enrile said he saw a crafty and shifty fighter in Rigondeaux.

“The Cuban showed the speed and agility that should be expected from a two-time Olympic gold medallist and winner of over 400 amateur fights,” said Enrile.

“Still, I see a different second fight between them as Donaire can certainly do adjustments and draw up tactics in solving the puzzle that is Rigondeaux.”