Nonito Donaire Jr. and Reymart Gaballo during a press conference ahead of their right. SHOWTIME VIDEO
MANILA, Philippines—Being respectful to opponents in prized fighting is not an uncommon sight, but translating for them is a whole new level.
In the lead-up to their bantamweight title match on Sunday (Manila time), WBC World bantamweight Nonito Donaire decided to play the role of translator for opponent Reymart Gaballo when the 25-year-old started to struggle during the press conference.
Gaballo was seen to mix up his words when he was answering the questions of Showtime Championship Boxing’s Ray Flores, so Donaire decided to help out his much younger opponent.
Next level respect between @filipinoflash & Reymart Gaballo 😂 🤝#DonaireGaballo pic.twitter.com/z0aVhCRdjh
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 9, 2021
Flores asked Gaballo on what he plans to counteract Donaire’s dangerous left hook and the General Santos City native initially began answering but eventually mixed up his words.
The 39-year-old Donaire, who’s fluent in both Visayan and English, then translated for Gaballo.
“It’s not just the left hook that I need to look out for because he has more in his arsenal that I have to look out for and not just the left hook,” said Gaballo via Donaire.
Flores, surprised with what happened, joked that Donaire was talking trash to himself in place of Gaballo, the interim WBC bantamweight champion..
.@filipinoflash and Reymart Gaballo face off ahead of Saturday#DonaireGaballo
🗓️ SATURDAY 12.11
🕙 10PM ET
📺 https://t.co/SfER5fGmZK pic.twitter.com/c3cvaNHo4k— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 9, 2021
The light-hearted moment also brought out laughter from those in attendance during the press conference.
Gaballo, who still managed to give out his own answers unassisted, said that he promises to be on his best come fight night.
“I don’t talk too much but I’ll do my best on the ring,” said Gaballo, who idolized Donaire growing up.
Flores, however, had Gaballo in the verbal ropes again when he asked the knockout artist how much of a career impact a win over Donaire would mean.
Fortunately for Gaballo, Donaire was quick to give the assist.
“It gives him great pleasure and happiness because it’s what he’s been looking forward to in his life and that is to be announced as a world champion,” said Gaballo via Donaire.
The two are set to duke it out on Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.