by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Boxing fans eager to see the ring return of five division world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire won't have to wait too long as ALA Promotions and the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN are putting up a blockbuster fight card at the Mall of Asia Arena on March 28.
Adding luster to the Donaire return will be World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes who will defend his title in the main event against an unnamed opponent as of now, in a voluntary title defense.
Nietes is now the longest reigning Filipino world champion having passed the 34 year old record of Hall of Famer, the late Gabriel "Flash" Elorde who was junior lightweight champion for seven years and three months, on January 1.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldegeur said he would look at the possibility of getting a Mexican opponent for Donaire and would discuss it with Zanfer Promotions Fernando Beltran.
In an overseas telephone conversation with the Manila Standard/Viva Sports, Donaire said "I'll fight whoever they put in front of me."
The classy fighter who unfortunately suffered a 6th round TKO against the much bigger and stronger champion WBA featherweight champion Nicholas Walters in a WBA Super world featherweight bout in Macau on October 18 last year after winning the title with a 5th round unanimous technical points decision to grab the title from South Africa's Simpiwe Vetyeka on May 31 last year.
Donaire who moved up to featherweight will move down to super bantamweight where he had the most success and was named "Fighter of the Year" in 2012.
Donaire told us "I feel good. I am training very hard with my Dad" (Nonito "Dodong" Donaire Sr) at his boxing and fitness gym in Oakland, California but returns to Las Vegas on weekends to spend time with Rachel who is expecting their second child in May and son Jarrel.
