BY NOW Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. should be back in the United States to spend Christmas and New Year with wife Rachel, who stayed behind when the boxer flew here to celebrate his latest victory.
In an interview while here in Manila, Donaire said he would rather not think of boxing at the moment.
All he wants to do is enjoy the holidays, the Christmas season, the Filipino way.
He just wants to have fun, he doesn’t want to think of work. For the moment, at least.
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After Manny Pacquiao suffered a humiliating defeat by knockout to nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, attention has shifted to Donaire, especially after the Filipino Flash’s easy victory over Mexican legend Jorge Arce.
Almost inevitably, Donaire has been hailed as the Philippines’ next international boxing sensation.
Naturally, everybody wants to know about Donaire’s future plans. Specifically, who he’s going to fight next.
As of now, Nonito only has a very vague idea.
Because all he wants to do is relax.
“I want to keep my mind as far away from boxing as possible,” he said.
“But 2013 comes around, you can expect me to make the first move. I will personally come knocking at Top Rank promoter Bob Arum’s door to ask for the next fight.”
Nonito probably does not remember but a few months ago he told the press that he will be asking Arum for more fights in 2013.
“This year I had four fights, next year maybe I can manage at least five,” said Nonito.
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Like Nonito, Global Port owner Mikee Romero at the moment is relishing a Yuletide vacation in Europe with his family.
Mikee said he will try not to think about the Batang Pier Team while in Europe, especially the losses.
He did say however that he has been gearing up for what he describes as a “total overhaul” as soon as he returns.
“To win, the team will have to undergo a major shakeup,” he said.
I can only speculate that this will start from the head coach and will include key players.