Nonito Donaire vs Reymart Gaballo. PBC POSTER
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has always been a haven of boxing talent but the fight between WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire and mandatory challenger Reymart Gaballo is only the eighth time that two Filipinos are pitted for a World title.
Donaire is making his first defense of the title that he won from Nordine Oubaali in May against the interim champion Gaballo on December 11 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Cason, California.
The 38-year-old Donaire (41-6-0) said fighting Gaballo, 25, in a major card with broadcasting under Showtime Sports, is not only a showcase of Philippine talent but the outcome will always be a favorable result for Filipinos.
“We’re training very hard, Reymart is training very hard, and the beauty of all of this is since we’re two Filipinos whoever wins will still be a Filipino,” said Donaire in Filipino during an interview with Playitright TV.
“This is a good thing for the Philippines, us Filipinos will still be the winners whatever the decision is. We’re still gonna win,” added Donaire.
Pancho Villa’s 15-round unanimous decision win over Clever Sencio in 1925 was the first time in boxing history that two Filipinos fought for the World title.
It then took 70 years for an all-Filipino title bout to happen once again when William Magahin defeated Erwin Villaver for the WBF welterweight title in May 1995.
‘MONUMENTAL’
Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire (R) celebrates after knocking out French boxer Nordine Oubaali after winning the Bantamweight World Championship boxing match at Dignity Health Sports Park on May 29, 2021 in Carson, California. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP)
Since then there have been other All-Filipino been fights between Robert Paradero and Vic Saludar, Donnie Nietes and Jonas Sultan, Pedro Taduran an. Rene Cuarto, and Taduran and Samuel Salva.
“It’s amazing because Showtime is picking it up, it’s monumental,” said Donaire’s manager, wife, and trainer Rachel. “The Mexican fighters are showcased so this is our chance to show the talent of Filipinos.”
Donaire, meanwhile, said that he’s wary of the dangerous Gaballo (24-0), a man who has 20 knockouts to his name.
“I know Gaballo is very talented, strong, has a good record, ad he’s hungry for success,” said Donaire. “I know that he’s one those type of people who are very dangerous fighters. I just want to everything I can to reverse time, to be healthy, to be strong, and be 100 percent inside the ring.”
The reserved Gaballo said that he’ll do everything in his capability in his fight against Donaire.
“I’ll do the best I can and do what I can inside the ring,” said Gaballo. “For me, I’m always ready.”