by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is determined to chase world titles in six or seven different weight divisions beginning with his quest for the featherweight title which will be his fifth when he battles WBA champion Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa at the Cotai Arena of the plush Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Macau on May 31.

BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard watched Donaire train for two solid hours on Tuesday at the Elorde Gym along Sucat Road in Paranaque and were amazed with how he went through a strenuous regimen and the dedication he showed in getting into the best shape possible.

He told us “we are going to chase 6 or 7 titles that’s what we are planning to do. The more the merrier, the better.”

Donaire said “training camp has been excellent. Nick Curson (the strength and conditioning  coach) has been really helping with the speed and explosiveness and my Dad with the strategy and getting into amazing shape. So far, so good. We are not 100% yet but we’ll get there by fight time.”

The 2012 “Fighter of the Year” said he is “getting back to the young Donaire with speed and power. Its been excellent. It’s a different thing explosive using what I know best in order to be better in that ring and I definitely feel I’m ten years younger.”

Strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson who put Donaire through some killer drills told BoxingScene/Manila Standard that Nonito “is coming along well. He’s shed some pounds so his weight is good. He’s already lost 10 pounds. He is around 136 and  we are about 3 ½ weeks away and have time to cut it down gradually. That’s perfect.”

He said “overall training has been great. No complaints.  He’s got a great work ethic, open to new ideas which is really important. We need to keep progressing the athlete, take him to a higher level. I think we have good chemistry.”

Curson also praised Nonito’s father/trainer “Dodong” Donaire pointing out  that while it “might get a little tiresome having your Dad on your back  all the time, they are working well and maturity has really helped them. They make a great team.”

The strength and conditioning coach Donaire’s dad “has done an excellent job. I’ve seen some of the stuff he’s helped out, working with the other guys in Cebu (at the ALA Gynm) and I’m just blown away by his technique. I think he’s a phenomenal trainer.”