Emotional Donaire Jr dedicates fight to dad

By: Glendale G. Rosal April 21,2016 - 09:55 PM

Nonito "The Filipino Flash " Donaire pose with his opponent from Budapest, Hungary after their final presscon at Waterfront Hotel for their fight these coming Saturday at Cebu City Sports center. (CDNPHOTO/LITO M. TECSON)

Emotional Donaire Jr dedicates fight to dad. (CDNPHOTO/LITO M. TECSON)

An emotional Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. faced the media yesterday, a contrite figure, a far cry from the feared boxer who has won five division titles and terrorized the brutal sport with his uncanny combination of speed and power.

During the final press conference for the “Time Has Come: Donaire Vs. Bedak” at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the reigning WBO Super-bantamweight champ profusely thanked his dad, Nonito “Dodong” Donaire Sr. for never leaving his side when he was at his lowest.

He was referring to the time when he battled depression following his knockout loss to Nicolas Walters in 2014.

Donaire Jr. (36-3, 23KOs) said that without his father he wouldn’t be where he is right now.

“I would like to take this moment to thank this man (Donaire Sr.) who never left me. I dedicate this fight to him,” a teary-eyed Donaire Jr. said.

Donaire added that he is now a totally different person who is highly motivated by his family and team. He said that he already conquered fear, heartache and defeat.

He will defend his crown against an equally determined foe, WBO No. 4 ranked Zsolt Bedak (25-1, 8KOs) of Hungary in the main event tomorrow night at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

The card is co-promoted by Top Rank Promotions, ALA Promotions International and ABS-CBN.

“I am now a totally different person. A better person. No more fear within. With the love of my family and team, I am stronger. A person who’s been through defeats, fear and heartache,” Donaire said.

And part of his motivation will be the unwavering support of his Filipino boxing fans who are expected to fill the CCSC to watch their ring idol fight here for the first time.

“Kamo akong motivation mga Filipino, mga Bisaya. I wanna be here, motivated kaayo ko aning awaya kay ato ning hometown, lahi kaayo ang feeling sa akong kasing-kasing nga diri ko mo fight,” he said in Cebuano.

MUTUAL RESPECT

The final presser was also devoid of the usual oral barbs as both fighters showed mutual respect.

Donaire Jr. said that Bedak is an accomplished boxer who must not be taken for granted as he vowed to be more than ready when they clash in the ring Saturday night.

“I know that everyone will be on Donaire’s side. But remember, it’s only me and him inside the ring, so anything can happen. He is a great boxer, I respect him and I am looking forward to a great fight,” said Bedak.

TACTICAL FIGHT

Despite their calm demeanor, the two fighters promised an entertaining showdown. Both known for their lethal left hooks, the fighters said they will bank on their respective secret game plans as well as their speed, footwork and power.

Bedak said he will beat Donaire Jr. via decisive fashion and that he is ready to face the Filipino for more than 12 rounds.

Donaire Jr. also did not predict a knockout win but said he will just patiently wait for the perfect time to unload his bombs.

Present at yesterday’s final presser were Top Rank official Brad Jacobs who represented Bob Arum, WBO supervisor Leon Panoncillo, ABS-CBN executive officer Peter Musngi and ALA Promotions International CEO Michael Aldeguer.

Arum, in a video message, wished all boxers the best of luck and described Saturday night’s card worth watching for. “It’s going to be a splendid fight.

A test for Nonito’s resolve to defeat the best 122lbs boxers or even the 126lbs boxers out there,” said Arum.

The official weigh-in will be at 11:30 a.m. today at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center.

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TAGS: Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr., Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino

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