MANILA, Philippines – It has been a long climb to the top for Filipino-American boxing world champion Nonito Donaire Jr., who admitted that he underwent self-doubt and insecurity while growing up.

“Nung bata pa ako, I never felt na may future ako kasi I grew up here at feel ko na siguro ganito ganiyan,” narrated the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight champion.

“Noon kasi maliit ako noon, eh at maliit pa rin ako (laughs), but kasi noon they always make fun of me kasi malaki ‘yung tenga ko, malaki ‘yung ngipin so they always bullied me,” added Donaire.

The 27-year-old Donaire shared this during a press conference at the Manila City Hall on Tuesday.

He said such childhood experience is his reason for helping children.

“Iba ‘yung calling ko sa buhay ko,” his reply when asked if he will join his idol, Fighter of the Decade and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, someday in politics.

“I’m more of an activist in terms of helping the kids, helping the people... supportive ako sa mga kids.”

Donaire added that he wants to encourage children, especially those who are being bullied and belittled, to be champions.

“Gusto ko na malaman ng mga bata all around na kahit ikaw ‘yung pinakamaliit, makakaya mo maging world champion kasi ako nung bata pa ako, ako ang ‘yung pinakamaliit. Ngayon, world champion na ako at saka lahat ng mga kaibigan ko noon, lahat ng mga tao hindi sila maka-believe na magiging world champion ako,” he said.

“The best thing that I can and I think God me has put me in this position para makatulong ako, to give inspiration as much as other people gave me inspiration.”

Support for RP sports

While he does not see himself entering politics, Donaire pledged support for Philippine sports.

He said that he has a facility in the US where amateur boxers can train.

“I want them to join the camp so that siguro they’ll be more confident to win outside internationally. All around sa sports, if I can support in any way if possible, by appearance, nandoon po ako,” he assured.

Donaire, who has a 24-1 (with 16 KOs) record, was born in Talibon, Bohol and was raised in General Santos City, Pacquiao’s hometown. He joined his father, Nonito Donaire, Sr., in Los Angeles, California in 1993.

He won the recognition of fight fans around the globe in 2007 when he shocked then International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) world flyweight champion Armenian Vic Darchinyan with a 5th-round knockout.

Donaire is now ranked by Ring Magazine as the Top 4 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.