Say a prayer for Nonito Donaire

They don’t declare it openly but Nonito Donaire Jr. of the Philippines is entering the ring in California this Sunday an underdog against a hard-punching, unbeaten Jamaican warrior.

There’s promise of a great duel.

Down in Bocaue, Bulacan, the fabulous Manny Pacquiao figures in another contest also on Sunday which, by the looks of it, will tend to be festive than combative when the Filipino boxing superhero debuts as playing coach of the Kia Sorentos in the Philippine Basketball Association.

There’s promise of an opening-day fiesta.

* * *

Donaire needs a prayer from everybody.

Pacquiao should get encouraging cheers.

The Kia Sorentos with Pacquiao on the lead will help raise the curtain on the 40th season of the PBA when they play Dioseldo Sy’s Blackwater Elite, also an expansion club.

Donaire, owner of the WBA super featherweight title, goes for the full crown against Nicholas Walters, the WBA featherweight champion proper.

* * *

Donaire is called the Filipino Flash.

Walters is adored as The Axeman in his native Jamaica.

There were conflicting tunes on the prefight odds. Walters was earlier touted as a slight favorite.

But, himself speaking, Walters said he was the actual underdog.

“I know all the fans out there will be rooting for Donaire, but I am not worried, they will all be on my side once I am done with him, ” Walters bragged.

The fight is slated in Carson, California. Donaire makes home in San Leandro.

* * *

Walters, calling himself an original, said he would prevail with his style and inborn power.

The Jamaican champion, 28, is considered ripe and at his peak. He owns a 24-0 record, including 20 stoppages.

Donaire, 31, owner of a 33-2 win-loss record, is seen trying to settle back in the mainstream after being rudely jarred from the top by the magical Cuban speedster Guillermo Rigondeaux in April 2013.

Donaire swore he has worked hard to recover his original smart and sharp style of combat.

He can’t afford to blink come fight time on Sunday.