Nonito Donaire, Jr. (born November 16, 1982) is a Filipino American professional boxer. Donaire is a five-division world champion and the former WBA (Super) Featherweight champion. He is known as "The Filipino Flash."
Donaire is also a former IBF, WBO, The Ring Super Bantamweight, WBC, WBO Bantamweight, Interim WBA Super Flyweight, IBF and IBO Flyweight Champion.
He is a known switch-hitter with the ability to fight either southpaw or orthodox. His surname is often mispronounced as do-nayr but it is properly pronounced as do-nigh-reh.
Early life
Nonito Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, to Filipino parents, Nonito Sr. and Imelda Donaire. He is the third among four siblings: Glenn, Rochelle Donaire-Nasalga and Ermie. Back then, there was no electricity in Bohol. He grew up in General Santos City, South Cotabato, where he lived until age six and went to the same school as boxing icon eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. His father, a second year high school dropout, was in the Philippine Army for eight years and fought as an amateur before trying his luck alone in the US in 1990. In 1992, when he was nine, his father, Nonito Donaire, Sr., went to get a visa for the United States. Nonito, Sr. was told that his own father was a natural born U.S. Citizen born in Hawaii, which meant his own Nonito, Jr. and his children are classified as Natural Born U.S. Citizens, under the principle of Jus Sanguinis. He mentioned this in a 2013 RING Magazine Interview. In 1993, at the age of eleven, he had joined his father in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California and they lived in San Leandro in the Bay Area, later moving to San Mateo.
In childhood, Donaire was a frail, asthmatic and wimpy kid who got bullied in school and frequently came home crying. He was picked on for three years, until after he migrated to San Leandro. At home, he felt no attention was paid to him, as a middle child. He wanted to be recognized by his parents, especially his father. As soon as his brother started boxing, ten-year-old Nonito craved the respect and recognition his brother received, and started it. His father took him to a boxing gym at age eleven to get him off the streets. In his first amateur bout as a child, he beat his opponent with straight punches, all the while thinking that "I'm going to kill him before he kills me." However, he had little confidence until he earned five professional knockout victories.
During their younger years, Donaire and his older brother Glenn would spar, with the younger brother losing the majority of their bouts. As a kid, Donaire watched videos of his hero Alexis Argüello, using them to learn how to throw his powerful left hook. While in San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, California the brothers won an assortment of regional and district amateur boxing championships.
Bay Area Boxing Gyms Video
Amateur career
As a young American amateur, Donaire won three national championships: the National Silver Gloves in 1998, National Junior Olympics in 1999 and the National USA Tournament in 2000. He also won the International Junior Olympics in 1999. Donaire's amateur record was 68-8 with 5 TKOs.
Professional career
Donaire turned professional with his brother in 2001. They signed up with promoter Jackie Kallen, who paid the boys a monthly salary of $1,500 each. When Donaire lost his second fight against Rosendo Sanchez in 2001, via a controversial decision, he tasted the intense feeling that he did not want to see the sorrow, sadness or pity in people's faces. Since then, he had continued a winning streak for over twelve years until April 2013. After four pro bouts, Donaire and his brother Glenn left Kallen and returned to Manila with their father. Initially mulling restarting their boxing careers in the Philippines, they decided to go back to the better facilities in San Leandro, where their father felt there were fewer distractions.
Early years as professional boxer
Donaire won his first regional title in flyweight division by defeating Kaichon Sor Vorapin for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight title in Guam on September 9, 2002. Donaire knocked out the future world title challenger in the second round.
Donaire won his second regional title, the NABF Super Flyweight title, by defeating Kahren Harutyunyan on Shobox by split decision on January 20, 2006. The scores were 97-92, 97-92 for Donaire and 95-94 for Harutyunan.
On October 7, 2006, Donaire outpointed veteran Oscar Andrade by the scores of 118-109, 116-112, and 116-112. His older brother, Glenn Donaire, fought and lost to Vic Darchinyan on the same night.
Flyweight
Donaire vs. Darchinyan I
A 7-1 underdog, Donaire won the IBF Flyweight title with a one-punch, fifth round knockout of the then-undefeated Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007. This victory was awarded Ring Magazine's "Knockout of the Year" and "Upset of the Year" on December 23, 2007. On July 31, 2007, Donaire met Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo along with Florante Condes, who won the IBF Minimumweight title on the same weekend as Donaire. Donaire said the experience was, "An overwhelming feeling. It was indescribable. The moment I walked up the stairs and she was up there and when I looked it was a moment when I couldn't even look at her face. It was a great honor."
On December 1, 2007, Donaire made the first defense of his IBF title against Luis Maldonado of Mexico by technical knockout in the 8th round. Donaire stated: "I guess my validation was today but I didn't feel my best; I felt sluggish. I didn't have my legs. I don't know what the problem was. I couldn't move well so I tried to rely on my upper body movement."
In late June 2008, Donaire severed ties with promoter Gary Shaw because the number of fights had not matched the number stated in the contract and Shaw had failed to properly disclose revenue from previous fights as stated under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. Days after leaving Gary Shaw Productions, he would sign with Top Rank Boxing.
Donaire, on November 2, 2008, retained his IBF Flyweight title via a 6th-round (1:31) technical knockout of Moruti Mthalane. During sparring for that fight, Donaire had an asthma attack. He could not carry through twelve rounds as his father ordered. While his father did not notice the reason and tried to force it to him, he left the gym to go to a hospital. He had slight symptoms of bronchitis, and was diagnosed with recurrence of asthma. After the Mthalane fight, he became estranged from his father.
On April 19, 2009, Donaire faced flyweight Raul Martinez for his third defense of his IBF Flyweight title at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. Donaire scored the TKO after 2:42 into the 4th round. Donaire has been trained by the Peñalosa brothers (Gerry, Dodie Boy and Jonathan) since the training camp for the match against Martinez. Because of his victory over Martinez, Donaire was included for the first time in the Ring Magazine pound for pound rankings, in the 7th spot.
Super Flyweight
The IBF ordered a mandatory rematch between Donaire and previous challenger Moruti Mthalane by August 1, 2009. However, Donaire's agent has expressed interest in moving up to the junior bantamweight/super flyweight division at 115 pounds.
Donaire vs. Concepción
Initially, Donaire was set to face Hugo Fidel Cazares on August 15, but talks for the bout had fallen through 2009. Rafael Concepción of Panama then replaced Cazares as Donaire's opponent for the Interim WBA Super Flyweight title, which headlined the card titled "Pinoy Power 2." Donaire added conditioning coach Mike Bazzel to supplement Dodie Boy and Jonathan Peñalosa in their camp at the Undisputed Boxing Gym in San Carlos, a Bay Area suburb near San Mateo. He dedicated his fight against Concepcion in memory of late Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino where he requested Everlast, a boxing equipment company, to provide a yellow robe with the inscription "I. M. O. (in memory of) former Pres. Cory Aquino." Because Concepcion failed to weigh within the super flyweight limit (115 lbs.), only Donaire, who made weight successfully, can win the title. Donaire won the bout via unanimous decision. Two days after the win over Concepcion, he arrived to a rousing welcome in Manila, where he was feted in a motorcade by Mayor Alfredo Lim.
Donaire's trainer was switched from his father to Roberto García Cortez in late 2009. Donaire does not want to be rude to Garcia by not training hard. So, even when he is not with Garcia, Donaire is working to the limit.
On February 13, 2010, Donaire faced Manuel "Chango" Vargas for his first defense of the Interim WBA Super Flyweight title at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. The latter was only a late replacement to Gerson Guerrero, who did not pass eye examinations and was forced to pull out. Vargas took the fight on less than 3 days short notice and had to move up 3 weight divisions. The bout headlined the card titled "Pinoy Power 3." Donaire won the fight via a 3rd-round (1:33) knockout and successfully retained his title.
After the fight Donaire expressed his interest in fighting Vic Darchinyan, for a rematch, or Fernando Montiel, both boxing champions, as he plans to move up to the bantamweight division.
According to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, Donaire would have faced the reigning WBC and WBA Super Flyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan on August 21, 2010 at the Home Depot in California. After weeks of uncertainty regarding the Donaire-Darchinyan rematch, Arum said the fight was done. However, the deal fell apart on May 5, 2010, so the bout was called off.
Donaire is also looking for a fight with WBO Bantamweight Champion Fernando Montiel of Mexico. However, Donaire stated that he is looking forward to a regular world title match in super flyweight division first before taking on Montiel.
Donaire vs. Marquez
Bob Arum announced that Donaire would fight in the undercard of Juan Manuel López and Bernabe Concepcion bout on July 10, 2010 at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Opponent for this fight was expected to be announced in the coming days. Donaire challenged Puerto Rican boxer Eric Morel, but the latter turned the offer down. As a result, Donaire planned a bantamweight move, as he did not find any available opponent in the super flyweight division; at first he refused to fight Hernan "Tyson" Marquez, who was coming from a lopsided loss against Richie Mepranum. The Donaire-Marquez bout took place in the super flyweight division. Donaire won the match by TKO in the eight round. The bout was supposed to be his last fight in the super flyweight division.
Bantamweight
Following his win against Marquez, Donaire stated his intention to compete in the bantamweight division (118 pounds) to challenge WBO and WBC Champion Fernando Montiel.
Donaire vs. Sidorenko
On December 4, 2010, Donaire challenged former WBA Bantamweight Champion Wladimir Sidorenko for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight title. Donaire knocked down Sidorenko thrice and became the first man to stop Sidorenko.
The win against Sidorenko gave Donaire the chance to face Mexican Fernando Montiel.
Donaire vs. Montiel
On February 19, 2011, Donaire stopped Fernando Montiel in the second round to take the WBC and WBO Bantamweight titles. Donaire took a right to the head from the Montiel, then immediately countered with a devastating left to the head that sent Montiel crumpling to the canvas. Montiel rose to continue and Donaire rushed over to land a left and a right before referee Russell Mora stopped the fight after two minutes and 25 seconds of the second round. With the victory, Donaire became the second Filipino and third Asian to become a three-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in three different weight divisions.
On February 28, 2011, the Philippine Senate formally adopted two Senate Resolutions filed by Senators Pia Cayetano and Manuel Lapid congratulating and commending Donaire for being an outstanding Filipino boxer and for bringing honor and pride to the country.
Donaire vs. Narvaez
On October 22, 2011, Donaire made his New York debut by beating previously undefeated two-division world champion Omar "El Huracán" Narvaez at Madison Square Garden in New York. Donaire dominated the fight against an obviously outmatched Narvaez but did not get the knockout he sought.
Super Bantamweight
After the fight between WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Toshiaki Nishioka and Rafael Márquez, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum stated that he had an agreement for the winner of the Nishioka-Marquez title fight to face Nonito Donaire, who wants to move up to super bantamweight after his WBC and WBO Bantamweight title fight with Omar Andres Narvaez. However, in an interview after Nishioka won, Arum said that the planned Donaire-Nishioka fight will not happen as earlier planned for mid-January and that "probably Nishioka won't fight Donaire until May or June (2012) because he wants to take a rest." Instead, Arum raised the possibility of Donaire fighting WBO Super Bantamweight Champion Jorge Arce.
Donaire vs. Vázquez Jr.
After twelve rounds, scores of 117-110 twice were read in Donaire's favor as the third judge had a surprising 115-112 for Vázquez Jr. He won via split decision to capture the WBO Super Bantamweight title, even though Donaire connected 60 percent of his power shots, outlanded Vázquez in eleven rounds except for the sixth round and gave him the first knockdown of his professional career in the ninth round. That makes him the second Filipino (only other than Manny Pacquiao) to win championships in four different divisions.
PED Suspicion & Year Round Testing
Donaire has been suspected of using performance enhancing drugs for training with former BALCO man Victor Conte. Conte has stated that he no longer deals performance enhancing drugs, but provides nutritional advice to Donaire. In June 2012 Donaire became the first boxer to agree to random, year-round blood and urine testing by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA), setting new standards for boxers.
Donaire vs. Mathebula
The showdown matched Donaire, 28-1 with 18 knockouts, risking the World Boxing Organization crown against International Boxing Federation Champion Mathebula, 26-3 with two draws and 14 knockouts, to unify their World Super Bantamweight titles. The bout was Live on HBO Boxing After Dark on July 7, 2012 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Donaire defeated Mathebula by unanimous decision. Donaire knocked Mathebula down in round four, breaking his jaw in two places.
Donaire vs. Nishioka
This fight took place on October 13, 2012 in Carson, California. The opponent was the Ring No. 1 ranked super bantamweight, Toshiaki Nishioka. Donaire's super bantamweight title was on the line, as well as the vacant The Ring Super Bantamweight title. Donaire relinquished the IBF Super Bantamweight title hours before the fight. Donaire made it official by declining to participate in the IBF's mandated weight check Saturday morning because he decided he would not defend that version of the 122-pound title. After being knocked down twice, Nishioka's corner personnel entered the ring as a request for the referee to end the fight in the ninth round. Donaire was victorious with a Technical Knock Out over the challenger.
Donaire fights have been broadcast on HBO since 2011. He reportedly earned 800 thousand dollars from Nishioka fight, his biggest purse ever.
Donaire vs. Arce
On December 15, 2012 in Houston, Texas Donaire successfully retained the WBO and The Ring super bantamweight titles against the Mexican Legend Jorge Arce via third round knock out 2:59 into the round. Donaire floored Arce once in the second round, and once in the third round, before the knockout that ended the match.
Donaire vs. Rigondeaux
Donaire fought Guillermo Rigondeaux at the Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 13. The Super WBA and WBO super bantamweight titles were on the line, as well as The Ring junior featherweight title. In this technically sound display, Rigondeaux was able to outbox Donaire and avoid getting hit for most of the fight. In Round 10, Rigondeaux was knocked down once. Donaire lost to Rigondeaux by unanimous decision, ending his 12-year winning streak since his first loss to Rosendo Sanchez.
Featherweight
Donaire vs. Darchinyan II
Fighting on the undercard of Martinez vs Garcia, Donaire fought Vic Darchinyan in non-title fight that was a rematch of their 2007 fight. Donaire started strong, but Darchinyan mounted a comeback in the middle rounds to take the lead on two of the official scorecards. However, in the 9th Donaire was able to drop Darchinyan with a left hook. Although he was able to beat the count, Darchinyan wasn't able to intelligently defend himself from Donaire's subsequent onslaught prompting the referee to stop the bout at 2:06 into the 9th round.
Donaire vs. Vetyeka
Donaire fought South African Simpiwe Vetyeka for the WBA (Super) featherweight title on May 31, 2014 at The Venetian Macao Hotel & Resort's CotaiArena in Macau of the Special administrative regions in China. Donaire dropped Vetyeka in the fourth round after landing his signature left hook. The fight was stopped seconds after the bell for the fifth round rang due to a cut on Donaire's left eye from an accidental headbutt and he won the bout via unanimous technical decision.
Donaire vs. Walters
On October 18, 2014, Donaire made the first defense of his WBA (Super) Featherweight Championship against undefeated Jamaican, WBA (Regular) Featherweight Champion Nicholas Walters. The fight took place in Carson, California, on the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin vs. Marco Antonio Rubio bout. Donaire lost to Walters by TKO in the 6th round.
Return to Super Bantamweight
Donaire vs. Prado
Donaire defeated William Prado in round 2 for the vacant NABF Super Bantamweight title on March 28, 2015 at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. A flurry had Prado dazed at the end of the first round, and Donaire pounced on him at the beginning of the second and the fight was swiftly stopped, Prado's left eye a bloody mess.
Donaire vs. Settoul
Donaire defeated Anthony Settoul in two rounds.
Professional boxing record
Personal life
Donaire is married to Rachel Marcial, a Filipino-American USA National Collegiate and Military Taekwondo Champion. They were married on August 8, 2008 in a private ceremony in Carmel, California, with all their close relatives. Subsequently, they had a church wedding in the Philippines on November 11, 2011 (11/11/11). Donaire's wife is a pivotal member of his team, with her father acting as his chief security. His parents-in-law, Gerry and Rebecca Marcial, are the leading members of his support group.
During his early career, he hated boxing. Due to excessive pressure, he had not only never enjoyed boxing, but had even dreaded it every day. Nevertheless, he did stick with it because he did not want to disappoint his father. Currently, he always fights for such people who support him and believe in him, and finally for himself, so he loves and enjoys boxing.
On July 4, 2013, his pregnant wife saved a child from drowning and was injured in the process. She was brought to a hospital, and the unborn baby in her womb was unharmed.
His cousin, Richard Donaire, is also a professional boxer.
Amateur career
Titles in boxing
Amateur career
National:
- 1998 National Silver Gloves Champion
- 1999 National Jr. Olympics Champion
- 2000 National USA Tournament Champion
International:
- 1999 International Jr. Olympics Champion
Professional career
Major World Titles:
- IBF Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
- Interim WBA Super Flyweight Champion (115 lbs)
- WBO Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)
- WBC Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)
- WBO Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)
- IBF Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)
- WBA (Super) Featherweight Champion (126 lbs)
Minor World Titles:
- IBO Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
The Ring/Lineal Championship Title:
- The Ring Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)
Regional/International Titles:
- WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
- NABF Super Flyweight Champion (115 lbs)
- WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)
- NABF Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)
Special Titles:
- WBC Diamond Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)
- 2013 Flash Elorde Memorial Belt Champion (122 lbs)
- WBA Undisputed Featherweight Champion (126 lbs)
Recognitions
- 2007, 2011 and 2012 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Sportsman of the Year
- 2007 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 5 against Vic Darchinyan)
- 2007 The Ring Upset of the Year (5th Round Knockout against Vic Darchinyan)
- 2007 World Boxing Hall of Fame Most Outstanding Boxer of the Year
- 2009, 2010 & 2011 Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Memorial Boxer of the Year
- 2011 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Fernando Montiel)
- 2011 Sports Illustrated Knockout of the Year
- 2011 ESPN Knockout of the Year
- 2012 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year
- 2012 ESPN Fighter of the Year
- 2012 The Ring Fighter of the Year
- 2012 Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year
- 2012 Yahoo! Sports Fighter of the Year
In popular culture
Donaire had TV guest appearances and joined the third season of Celebrity Duets episodes on GMA.
Donaire is also featured in the videogame Fight Night Round 4 and Fight Night Champion alongside Manny Pacquiao.
Filmography
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