CEBU, Philippines – Former five-division world champion Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire (33-2, 21KOs) will start his road to redemption as he faces Brazilian ring gladiator William Prado (22-4, 15KOs) for the vacant NABF super bantamweight title in the 'Pinoy Pride 30' set for March 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Donaire will co-headline the blockbuster card with two-division titlist Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes, who will be defending his WBO light flyweight belt against Mexican power-hitter Luis ‘Gallo’ Ceja.
“After a long search, it's now official. Donaire will fight William Prado,” said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer. “He (Prado) is a strong boxer and we believe he can give Donaire a good challenge.”
Prado is an experienced fighter having fought - albeit for a losing cause - against the undefeated WBA super bantamweight titlist Scott Quigg of Australia and former junior featherweight crown-holder Paulos Ambunda of Namibia.
The 32-year-old Donaire hopes to reclaim lost pride and glamour after losing his WBA featherweight belt via sixth round KO to Jamaican Nicholas Walters four months ago in California.
“This will show if he (Donaire) has already recovered from that painful knockout loss,” said Aldeguer. “Nonito now has a chance in building his confidence back.”
On the other hand, Aldeguer said Donaire, who will be fighting for the first time on Philippine soil, will also train in the famed ALA Gym together with his father/trainer Nonito Sr. “They will be arriving at the end of the month. He will do his training camp here,” he said.
Aldeguer added that Donaire is campaigning for another world title shot at the 122 lbs. division and that the former champion is always welcome to be part of ALA Promotions' fightcards here and abroad in the future.
“We will always be here to support Donaire. We believe that this is not only his first fight in the Philippines and we are also open to the possibility of including him in our fightcards abroad,” said Aldeguer. (FREEMAN)