By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Manila gave newly crowned WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire a warm welcome with Mayor Alfredo Lim personally receiving the adopted son of the city.
Donaire who was accompanied by his wife Rachael and trainers Doodie Boy and Jonathan Penalosa as well as S olar Sports Wilson Tieng in his courtesy call on Mayor Lim.
Donaire who hurt his hand as early as the second round put on an excellent display of boxing to win a unanimous twelve round decision over the much heavier Panamanian former champion Rafael "El Torito" Concepcionin a bruising battle at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas last Sunday, Manila Time.
During a news conference at the Antonio Villegas Hall, Mayor Lim thanked Donaire for offering his fight to the late President Cory Aquino. For his part Donaire said "I made a promise that I will dedicate my fight for the late president to give her respect and honor."
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Donaire thanked Filipinos around the world, and specifically the Manilaneos for their prayers and support. He said what he achieved and the support of millions of Filipinos reminded him to always believe in God.
In a conversation at City Hall’s VIP Room, Donaire told Lim about his mistake in using thicker gloves to protect his injured hand which he suffered during training instead of the usual thinner Cleto Reyes puncher’s gloves.
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Donaire became the first Filipino to beat a Panamanian fighter in a world title fight after four Filipinos including flyweight champion Erbito Salavarria had lost to fighters from Panama in world title fights that also included Concepcion’s stunning 10th round KO win over AJ "Bazooka" Banal last year in Cebu.
Donaire said he was proud of his victory despite facing a much heavier opponent and hurting his left hand early in the fight. Lim told Donaire, "I am proud of you and you will go a long way."
Lim, a supporter of great Filipino athletes, gave Donaire a token of appreciation for bringing pride and honor to the nation.
Donaire, who was wearing yellow trunks with the name "Aquino" printed on the back of his garter for the fight as a tribute to the former president said he will give his trunks as a gift and as an expression of his love for the Aquino family.
Mayor Lim honored Donaire with a motorcade around major thoroughfares of Manila. The world champion rode on a pick up truck with Manila Sports Council Chairman Niño dela Cruz while Mayor Lim joined the motorcade in another vehicle.
