by Glendale G. Rosal
reporter
For those who are still in doubt as to Nonito Donaire Jr’s determination to pick up the pieces following his humiliating knockout loss to Jamaica’s Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters last year, this news is for you.
Donaire, the five division world boxing champion and former WBA featherweight king reportedly knocked down his sparring partner Cisco Sandoval in one of his recent training sessions at the Donaire Boxing Gym in Oakland, California, USA.
Donaire is set to make a comeback on March 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena against Brazilian William Prado in the co-main event of Pinoy Pride 30 which is being promoted by ALA Promotions International and media giant ABS-CBN and Top Rank Promotions.
Donaire reportedly downed Sandoval in the second round of their scheduled 10-round sparring session, proof that the Filipino Flash is bent on scoring an impressive win against Prado in their non-title showdown.
Donaire’s father, Nonito Sr., who also acts as his trainer, said that Donaire is looking good and sharp in training.
“Nonito looks good, looks real fast and I think he has regained his old form. His opponent likes to come forward and throw shots to the body and he also has power. Nonito cannot take this fight lightly,” said Nonito Sr. in a report posted on Philboxing.com.
Prado has a record of 22-4-1 with 15 knockouts while the 32-year old Donaire has 33 wins, 3 losses with 21 knockouts. His loss to Walters last year in Carson, California, was for the WBA featherweight crown.
Team Donaire will arrive in Manila on March 1 and will head to Cebu on March 6 to train for two weeks at the famed ALA Boxing Gym in Talamban.
Pinoy Pride 30 will be headlined by Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.