by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire who is chasing a fifth world title when he battles WBA featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa in Macau on May 31, sparred for the first time after  what he said was “a long, long time” at the famed ALA Gym in Cebu, today.

Donaire went three rounds with undefeated  Cuban fighter Remy Aleye and told the Manila Standard “I feel great” but conceded that he felt “a little tired although my heart rate was good.”

He said the lanky Cuban “is a good boxer and we are happy with the sparring we had.”
Donaire said “I’m not in shape yet” and that he would return to the gym on Mondsay for one more sparring session before returning to Manila for a big press conference hosted by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN along with Top Rank and the Venetian Macau where Donaire’s title fight will be held.

After the sparring which was under the keen eye of his father/trainer Nonito “Dodong” Donaire Sr, the four division world champion did the punch-mitts with his dad.

He said he “gained a llittle weight”  which went up to 145 pounds during his trip to Japan to be a commentator on TV for the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley rematch but has since come down to 138.

Donaire said his strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson is in his training c amp and indicated “we’ve been working together and so  far I’m really  happy with what we have.”

Donaire said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer has been incredibly hospitable and kind and the way Michael and his father, respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer have welcomed him was “amazing.”