Donaire taking Pacquiao route–but not in politics

LOS ANGELES—Nonito Donaire Jr. finally reclaimed his old knockout form, something that has people mentioning him in the same breath as revered Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao.

“I am very honored,” said Donaire, after a TKO win over Toshiaki Nishioka last Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at Home Depot Center.

However, the Filipino Flash (30-1-0 with 19 knockouts) said that the comparisons are unlikely to go into the political arena.

“For me the only plan I have is to help in terms of donations or through inspirations and putting up or helping up foundations whatever it may be to help people affected by calamities or poverty,” the 29-year-old Donaire told the Inquirer. “In terms of politics I don’t have it in me.”

Born in Gen. Santos City in the Philippines but raised in San Leandro, California, Donaire said that he might pick a post-boxing career that is still close to the sport, but he didn’t rule out contributing to social causes.

In fact, Donaire is no stranger to doing an advocacy. He has ch ampioned breast cancer awareness and wore gloves and shorts bathed in pink colors last year against Omar Narvaez in New York City. He also backs anti-bullying causes after revealing that he, too, was a bullying victim when he was still studying.

Like Pacquiao, Donaire bared that he could pursue show business as well. His first movie, a Visayan flick entitled “Palad Ta Ang Nagbuot (Our Fate Decides),” was premiered the day after his victory at Envision Center in Van Nuys.

He joined fans in watching the movie, which was subtitled in English, and even had a meet-and-greet before the showing.

“I like to act. I enjoy acting, singing as well, but there’s a lot of things I love about boxing. Maybe I would become a promoter someday or manager,” said Donaire.