By: Dennis Guillermo
Photo by: Jhay Oh Otamias
Been there, done that. Held major world titles nine different times. Won Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the year, Knockout of the year, and the oldest bantamweight world champion. Won major belts in four different divisions. I’d tell you that’s a Hall of Famer. But if you ask Nonito Donaire, he’ll say that’s not enough.
The Filipino Flash was supposedly fighting for the WBC bantamweight title against Alexandro Santiago (27-3-5, 14 KOs) last July 15 in Vegas, but instead he was in the gym still working his ass off, sweating like a maniac. It was a record-breaking 100 and hell degrees outside the gym, but inside, it was just as intense as Donaire worked with his new team, Omega Boxing from Cebu, Philippines.
It’s almost crazy to think a fighter as accomplished as Donaire was raving about the opportunity to be on the undercard of Terrence Crawford vs. Errol Spence on July 29, but that’s exactly why he told me his bout was moved. Donaire was grateful and excited for the opportunity to yet again perform in front of the biggest crowds, even as an opener and not the main event.
“I can’t let go of the opportunity to fight on the biggest stage,” Donaire told me. “Granted I’ve been in the game for a long time professionally, but to be in the position to fight in front of millions, why would I not want to take that opportunity?”
After two wars with pound-for-pound kingpin Naoya Inoue, with the second one also being his most recent fight that ended a devastating second-round TKO loss, most fighters would’ve called it a day. That’s a Hall of Fame career. If anything, a farewell fight with a beatable opponent in front of his adoring fans would’ve been understandable.
Not Donaire.
Instead of hanging it up, Donaire intends to work his way back to the top with his sights set on eventually getting another crack at his two-time tormentor from Japan. Beating Santiago and securing the WBC bantamweight strap is step 1. But with all the accolades and earnings, the main reason Donaire said he still wants to keep going rather than ride into the sunset is his newfound purpose, meaning and love for the sport of boxing.
“I didn’t even think I’d stay long in the game until I found the love for it,” Donaire replied to me when I asked him if he ever thought he’d be regarded as the oldest champion in any particular division. “Sometimes people go through their life thinking they hate the things they do everyday until you learn to love it, and when you learn to love it, it’s hard to let it go.”
It wasn’t until he was already a World Champion that Donaire, according to him, started to love the sport he had been practicing for most of his life. “After beating (Vic) Darchinyan in 2007, what I wanted to do was say ‘pops (Sr. his father and former trainer) I got you the title, I’m done’.” Donaire was fighting for someone else other than himself. He was fulfilling other people’s hopes and dreams.
Boxing wasn’t love at first sight for Donaire. It was something that had to develop for him through the years, and early on, struggled to truly even appreciate. “One day my wife asked me ‘Why did I box?’, and I couldn’t answer the question. I was doing it for everybody else,” said Donaire. “I really had to figure out for myself why I boxed and realize why I love doing it to appreciate what I had and I was good at it.”
The love for the sport and his desire to reach the pinnacle of his capabilities and talents are the reasons why money, fame and belts aren’t enough to keep him satisfied. “As long as I feel that I’m not putting my health at risk, I want to keep fighting and continue to push myself to get better, continued Donaire. “I told B-Hop I’m coming for this crown (Bernard Hopkins holds the record as the oldest world champion at 46).”
“So you’re saying you’re going to box ten more years?” I interjected.
“Why not?!” Donaire shot back.
Donaire isn’t looking back, he’s not even seeing the end. It’s obvious the man is still loving his process, living in the moment and still hungry for more. I didn’t dare to try to answer Donaire, but his performance on the 29th will.
Fight Game Asia 