Nonito Donaire, Jr.

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. expressed uncertainty over the proposed fight between him and Mexican Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel.

“Gusto ko pinakamagaling sa division,” he said of Montiel, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion. “But for now, in his mouth, walang lumalabas na Donaire sa bibig niya.”

Donaire said this during a press conference at the Bulwagang Villegas of Manila City Hall Tuesday morning.

“For me gusto ko siya makalaban pero ‘yung pangalan ko parang dine-deny ‘yung challenge ko,” the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight champion continued.

He added that it seems like Montiel’s camp is avoiding him: “With them, parang umiiwas sila. Parang ayaw nilang mangyari ‘yun. Depende lang talaga but I’m willing to fight the best out there.”

“At least I had my pride in getting that fight to happen,” he said.

Donaire said he was supposed to face Montiel in April 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

“A month before the fight, umatras sila,” Donaire said.

“The Filipino Flash” fought American Raul Martinez instead and defeated him by a 4th round technical knockout.

Adopted son

The City of Manila held the mini press conference for the Filipino world champion as he is regarded as

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim with Nonito Donaire, Jr.

Manila’s adopted son.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim congratulated Donaire for his recent successful title defense over Mexican Hernan “Little Tyson” Marquez. 

“I wanna thank God for this opportunity and for this blessing. I wanna thank everyone, lahat ng mga tao sa pagpatuloy nilang pagsuporta especially sa prayers nila, sa inyong lahat po,” Donaire remarked.

“City of Manila, thank you so much. ‘Pag nandito ako, palagi you have made me a family, a big part of this city, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”

His wife, Rachel, uttered, “Thank you for welcoming us into the city. He always fights with you guys behind him and that’s what gives him strength.”

Donaire also took the time to thank his fellowmen for always rooting for him in his bouts.

“Bilib po kayo sa akin. With that, binigyan niyo ako ng inspiration to, na kailang ako talaga manalo so you’re a part of my victory and a part of me ‘pag nandoon ako sa ring,” he said. “With the people around me and with you guys, I will continue to do my best... Thank you so much galing po sa puso ko thank you.”

A motorcade featuring Donaire, Rachel and Lim took place after the press conference.