WHAT’S the mystery behind the stealth visit?
Unknown to many including the prying media, five-division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire has been secretly training for four days already at the famed ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu City.
According to Donaire’s camp, the ALA Gym stint is part of his preparations for his July 18 fight against Anthony Settoul (20-3, 8KOs) of France in Macau, China. He is accompanied by his wife Rachel and two sons and his father and trainer Nonito Sr.
Although Donaire Jr., is known to briefly train at the ALA Boxing gym prior to his previous fights, boxing fans are baffled by the secrecy of the current visit.
According to ALA Boxing Gym trainer, Edito Villamor, Donaire Jr. will be provided with quality sparring partners for his upcoming 10-round, non-title showdown against Settoul.
Villamor named some of the gym’s top unbeaten prospects like Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (10-0, 8KOs) and Mark Vincent “Machete” Bernaldez (15-0,10KOs) as among Donaire’s sparring partners along with former world title challenger Roli “Zuma” Gasca (22-6-1, 6KOs).
It was not known how long Donaire will train at the famed gym.
The 32 year-old Donaire is coming off a second round TKO victory over Brazilian William Prado last March 28 where he snatched the vacant North American Boxing Federation title.
Aside from helping Donaire in his training, the ALA Boxing Gym is also busy training its boxers who will be headlining Pinoy Pride 31: Clash of World Champions at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on July 18.
PP 31 will feature two-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (35-1-4, 21KOs) who will defend his WBO world light flyweight title against WBO world minimumweight champion Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez Jr. (17-2-1,11KOs) of Mexico.