Nonito Donaire vs Reymart Gaballo. PBC POSTER
MANILA, Philippines—Nonito Donaire Jr. isn’t one to go into a verbal sparring session with his opponents and would rather take the respectable approach heading into fights.
That’s why the reigning WBC bantamweight champion had somewhat of a more relaxed feeling a month before he defends his title against mandatory challenger and fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo.
Donaire (41-6) and Gaballo, the WBC interim bantamweight champion, are set to square off on December 11 in Carson, California for the Filipino legend’s first defense of his 118-pound title.
“Filipinos should be this way, respectable towards each other and not talking trash with one another,” said Donaire in Filipino during an interview with PlayItRight.TV. “Because once we step inside the ring then we’ll do everything we can to win.”
Donaire has always maintained a respectful attitude towards his opponents including Naoya Inoue, Carl Frampton, and even recent opponent Nordine Oubaali, but he did snap at WBO champion John Riel Casimero in a social media tussle.
Casimero and Donaire were supposed to unify their titles back in August but the bout fell through after the former took aim at the latter’s family.
Though trash talk is normal between prize fighters, Donaire felt that Casimero’s attitude towards his family was uncalled for.
The two have since buried the hatchet but a fight between them is still far off.
“May the best man win. This is why boxing is a gentleman’s sport. You have two guys respecting each other but going after each other inside the ring,” said Donaire, who also thanked Gaballo’s manager JC Manangquil for teaching a fighter to be respectful.
Gaballo (24-0), who has 20 knockouts to his name, is more of a reserve fighter and would rather let his fighting do the talking for him.
“I just want to thank JC and Reymart for giving honor as a Filipino. It’s not about trash talking, it’s about appreciating what we have and may the best man win,” said Donaire.
“The one thing I can give Reymart is respect. I thank him for being a standup guy, and also JC for making a fighter like Reymart. I salute him for creating a fighter who we can be proud of. He has that Filipino heart, we’re not Americans. We’re not fond of trash talk.”