Nonito Donaire

Nonito Gonzales Donaire Jr. ([noˈnito donˈajɾe]; born November 16, 1982) is a Filipino-American professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes, including the IBF flyweight title from 2007 to 2009; the unified WBC and WBO bantamweight titles in 2011; the IBF super bantamweight title in 2012; the WBO super bantamweight title twice between 2012 and 2016; the WBA (Super) featherweight title in 2014; and the WBA (Super) bantamweight title from 2018 to November 2019.

In total, Donaire has held eight world titles by the main four boxing sanctioning bodies, as well as the IBO flyweight title from 2007 to 2009, the WBA interim super flyweight title from 2009 to 2010, and The Ring magazine and lineal super bantamweight titles from 2012 to 2013. As of March 2019, Donaire is ranked as the world's third best active bantamweight by The Ring, and BoxRec, and fourth by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.

Donaire is popularly known as "The Filipino Flash" due to his exceptionally fast hand speed and formidable punching power, and is a two-time winner of The Ring's Knockout of the Year award, in 2007 and 2011. He reached a peak pound for pound ranking of third by The Ring in 2011, and was named Fighter of the Year in 2012 by the Boxing Writers Association of America. Donaire is one of first three Asian boxers to win world titles in at least four weight classes, along with fellow Filipinos Manny Pacquiao and Donnie Nietes.

Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, the third of four children to Nonito C. Donaire, Sr. (born 1959, South Cotabato) and Imelda M. Gonzales (born 1950, Talibon). His brother is Glenn Donaire, a flyweight boxer. Donaire's cousin, Richard Donaire, is also a professional boxer.

Until he was six years of age, Donaire lived in General Santos City, South Cotabato and attended the same school as the eight-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao. Donaire was a child of small stature who was bullied.

Donaire's father was an amateur boxer who competed in the U.S. in the early 1990s. His paternal grandfather was born in Hawaii, United States and this gave Donaire US citizenship under the principle of Jus Sanguinis. In 1993, at the age of eleven, Donaire joined his father in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California. They later lived in San Leandro, California. and San Mateo County, California.

Donaire said that during his childhood he wished for more attention from his parents and, after his brother started boxing, the attention given to him. This was his reason for entering the sport of boxing at the age of eleven even though he did not enjoy it. His father supported his choice as he felt it would keep Donaire off the streets. During their younger years, Donaire and his older brother, Glenn, would spar. Donaire also watched videos of his hero, Alexis Argüello, and from them he learned to throw a powerful left hook.

While enrolled at the San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, California Donaire and his brother won several regional and district amateur boxing championships. In his first amateur bout, he beat his opponent with straight punches, all the while thinking that "I'm going to kill him before he kills me." However, Donaire had little confidence until he had five professional knockout victories.

As a young amateur, Donaire won three U.S. national championships: the National Silver Gloves (1998), National Junior Olympics (1999) and the National USA Tournament (2000). He also won the 1999 International Junior Olympics gold medal. Donaire's amateur record was 68 - 8 with 5 technical knockouts (TKOs).

In 2001, Donaire and his brother became professional boxers. They signed contracts with a promoter, Jackie Kallen. Donaire was paid a monthly salary of $1,500. In 2001, after a controversial decision, Donaire lost his second fight against Rosendo Sanchez. This impassioned him to win his fights which he did until April 2013. After four professional bouts, Donaire and his brother left their contracts with Kallen and returned to Manila and then to San Leandro, where there were fewer distractions.

Early years

On September 9, 2002 in Guam, Donaire won his first regional title, the vacant WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title. He knocked out Kaichon Sor Vorapin in the second round. On January 20, 2006, Donaire won his second regional title, the NABF super flyweight title, by defeating Kahren Harutyunyan on ShoBox on a split decision. The scores were 97–92, 97–92 for Donaire and 95–94 for Harutyunan. On October 7, 2006, Donaire defeated Oscar Andrade, a veteran boxer, by 118–109, 116–112, and 116–112.

Flyweight

Donaire vs. Darchinyan

On July 7, 2007, Donaire won the IBF flyweight title with a one-punch, fifth-round knockout of the then undefeated Vic Darchinyan. This victory was awarded Ring Magazine's "Knockout of the Year" and "Upset of the Year".

On July 31, 2007, Donaire met Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Donaire said the experience was, "an overwhelming feeling. It was indescribable. The moment I walked up the stairs and she was up there and when I looked it was a moment when I couldn't even look at her face. It was a great honor." Then, on December 1, 2007, Donaire made the first defense of his IBF title against Luis Maldonado of Mexico by a technical knockout in the eighth round. Donaire said, "I guess my validation was today but I didn't feel my best; I felt sluggish. I didn't have my legs. I don't know what the problem was. I couldn't move well so I tried to rely on my upper body movement."

In late June 2008, Donaire severed his association with his promoter, Gary Shaw. Donaire had not been offered the number of fights his contract demanded. Shaw also failed to disclose revenue from fights as demanded by the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. Days after leaving Gary Shaw Productions, Donaire made a contract with Top Rank Boxing.

Donaire vs. Mthalane

On November 2, 2008, Donaire made the defense of his IBF flyweight title through a sixth round (1:31) technical knockout of Moruti Mthalane. Although Donaire's asthma condition was well managed in general, after his illness in the Mthalane fight, Donaire became estranged from his father who did not acknowledge the medical problem.

On April 19, 2009, Donaire faced flyweight, Raul Martinez, for a third defense of his IBF flyweight title at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. Donaire scored a TKO in the fourth round (2:42). For this match, Donaire was trained by the Peñalosa brothers: Gerry, Dodie Boy and Jonathan. After the match, Donaire was recorded in the Ring Magazine pound for pound rankings in seventh position.

Super flyweight

The International Boxing Federation ordered a rematch between Donaire and the previous challenger, Moruti Mthalane to take place by August 1, 2009. However, Donaire, now 115 pounds (52 kg) wished to move up to the junior bantamweight/super flyweight division.

Donaire vs. Concepción

Donaire was to fight Hugo Fidel Cazares on August 15, 2009 but negotiations failed. Rafael Concepción of Panama replaced Cazares as Donaire's opponent for the Interim WBA super flyweight title Donaire engaged a conditioning coach, Mike Bazzel, to assist Dodie Boy and Jonathan Peñalosa in his training at the Undisputed Boxing Gym, San Carlos. Donaire dedicated his fight against Concepcion to the memory of Corazon "Cory" Aquino and requested Everlast, a boxing equipment company, provide a yellow robe with the inscription "I. M. O. (in memory of) former Pres. Cory Aquino." Concepcion failed to weigh in within the super flyweight limit of 115 pounds (52 kg) and so Donaire won the bout. After his win, Donaire was feted in a motorcade in Manila organised by Alfredo Lim, the mayor.

In late 2009, Donaire began training under Roberto García Cortez.

Donaire vs. Vargas

On February 13, 2010, Donaire fought Manuel "Chango" Vargas to defend for the first time his interim WBA super flyweight title. The fight took place at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. Vargas, a late replacement for Gerson Guerrero, had to move up three weight divisions in order to participate. The bout headlined the card titled "Pinoy Power 3." Donaire won the fight with a third round (1:33) knockout.

After the fight, Donaire planned to move to the bantamweight division and expressed his wish to fight Vic Darchinyan and Fernando Montiel but neither bout took place.

Donaire vs. Márquez

Donaire fought his last bout in the super flyweight division against Hernán Márquez. The fight was the undercard of the Juan Manuel López and Bernabe Concepcion bout on July 10, 2010 at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Donaire had challenged Puerto Rican boxer Eric Morel who declined. Donaire won the match with a technical knockout in the eight round.

Bantamweight

Following his win against Marquez, Donaire stated his intention to compete in the bantamweight division (118 pounds (54 kg)) by challenging the WBO and WBC champion, Fernando Montiel.

Donaire vs. Sydorenko

On December 4, 2010, Donaire challenged the former WBA bantamweight champion, Volodymyr Sydorenko for the vacant WBC Continental Americas bantamweight title. Donaire knocked down Sydorenko three times and became the first man to defeat the boxer. The win against Sydorenko gave Donaire the chance to face Fernando Montiel of Mexico.

Donaire vs. Montiel

On February 19, 2011, Donaire defeated Montiel in the second round winning the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles. Donaire took a right to the head from Montiel, then immediately countered with a left to the head that knocked his opponent down. Montiel rose to continue before Donaire rushed over to land a left and a right. The referee, Russell Mora, stopped the fight in the second round (2:25). Donaire became the second Filipino and the third Asian person to become a three-division world champion. Donaire was given a third place in Ring Magazine's "pound for pound" rankings. Juan Manuel Marquez and Sergio Martinez were ahead of him.

On February 28, 2011, resolutions moved by Pia Cayetano and Manuel Lapid were passed by the senate of the Philippines that Donaire be congratulated and commended for being an outstanding Filipino boxer and for bringing honor and pride to the country.

Donaire vs. Narvaez

On October 22, 2011, Donaire made his New York debut beating the previously undefeated two-division world champion, Omar "El Huracán" Narvaez, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Donaire dominated the fight but did not make a knockout.

Super bantamweight

Donaire vs. Vázquez Jr.

In 2012, Donaire fought Vázquez Jr. After twelve rounds, Donaire had scores of 117–110 and 117-110. Surprisingly, the third judge scored 115–112 in favour of Vázquez Jr. Donaire landed sixty percent of his power shots and out-landed Vázquez Jr in rounds one to five and seven to twelve and was awarded the WBO super bantamweight title. In the ninth round, Donaire was knocked down for the first time in his professional career. Donaire became the second Filipino (after Manny Pacquiao) to win championships in four different divisions.

PED suspicion and year-round testing

Donaire has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs from Victor Conte, a former BALCO man. In June 2012, Donaire agreed to random, year-round blood and urine testing by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).

Donaire vs. Mathebula

On July 7, 2012, Donaire fought Jeffrey Mathebula, a South African boxer. Donaire's progress of 28–1 with 18 knockouts was matched with Mathebula's of 26–3 with two draws and 14 knockouts. It was possible the two boxers' super bantamweight world titles would be unified. The bout was televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark from the Home Depot centre in Carson, California. Donaire defeated Mathebula by unanimous decision, knocking him down in round four and breaking his jaw in two places.

Donaire vs. Nishioka

On October 13, 2012 in Carson, California, Donaire fought Toshiaki Nishioka who had been ranked first in his division by Ring magazine. Donaire officially relinquished the IBF super bantamweight 122 pounds (55 kg) title hours before the fight by declining to participate in the IBF's mandated weight check. When, by the ninth round,Nishioka had been knocked down twice, his representative asked the referee to end the fight. Donaire won the bout with this TKO. The purse from this bout and his contract with HBO earned Donaire 800,000 dollars.

Donaire vs. Arce

On December 15, 2012 in Houston, Texas, Donaire retained the WBO and The Ring super bantamweight titles against Jorge Arce of Mexico whom he knocked out in the third round (2:59). Donaire had already knocked down Arce in the second and third rounds.

Donaire vs. Rigondeaux

On April 13, 2013, Donaire fought Guillermo Rigondeaux at Radio City Music Hall in New York to defend his WBA and WBO super bantamweight and Ring junior featherweight titles. Donaire did knock down Rigondeaux once in the tenth round but Rigondeaux defeated Donaire by unanimous decision. Donaire's twelve year record of continuous wins was over.

Featherweight

Donaire vs. Darchinyan II

In November 2013, Donaire fought Vic Darchinyan in non-title fight that was a rematch of their 2007 fight. The bout was on the undercard of a Martinez vs Garcia fight. Donaire started strong, but Darchinyan mounted a comeback in the middle rounds to take the lead on two of the official scorecards. However, in the ninth round, Donaire was able to drop Darchinyan with a left hook. Although he was able to beat the count, Darchinyan wasn't able to intelligently defend himself and this prompted the referee to stop the fight (2:06).

Donaire vs. Vetyeka

On May 31, 2014, Donaire fought the South African boxer, Simpiwe Vetyeka, for the WBA (Super) featherweight title at The Venetian Macao Hotel & Resort's CotaiArena in Macau. Donaire knocked down Vetyeka in the fourth round after landing his signature left hook. The fight was stopped seconds after the bell for the fifth round due to a cut on Donaire's left eye from an accidental head butt. Donaire won the bout after a unanimous technical decision.

Donaire vs. Walters

On October 18, 2014, Donaire made the first defense of his WBA (Super) featherweight championship against undefeated Jamaican, WBA (Regular) featherweight champion Nicholas Walters. The fight took place in Carson, California, on the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin vs. Marco Antonio Rubio bout. Donaire rocked Walters heavily early on, but other than that had little success and was dropped twice before the referee stopped the fight. It was the first knockout loss of Donaire's career.

Return to super bantamweight

On March 28, 2015, Donaire returned to Super Bantamweight division and defeated William Prado in two rounds to secure the vacant NABF super bantamweight title at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. A flurried attack had Prado dazed at the end of the first round. Donaire continued his attack at the beginning of the second round and the fight was stopped. On July 18, 2015, Donaire also defeated Anthony Settoul in two rounds again via stoppage at The Venetian Macao in Macau, China.

Donaire vs. Juarez

On December 11, 2015, Donaire claimed the vacant WBO Super bantamweight title, defeating Mexican Cesar Juarez by unanimous decision. The fight was controlled by Donaire early on, dropping the Mexican brawler twice, but Juarez showed tremendous heart and punch resistance to keep coming. Donaire begun to slow down due to fatigue and an ankle injury, as Juarez picked up the pressure. The latter rounds were much closer as the fight turned into a slugfest and a 'fight of the year' candidate, it ended with both fighters exhausted and swinging wildly at the final bell. Donaire defended the WBO title successfully against Zsolt Bedak of Hungary via a third-round TKO in Cebu City, Philippines on April 23, 2016.

Donaire vs. Magdaleno

Donaire lost to Jessie Magdaleno as the co-main event on Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas PPV bout on November 5, 2016. This marked the first time Donaire and Pacquiao, the two biggest boxing stars to come out of the Philippines, have ever shared the same card.

Return to featherweight

On March 8, 2017, Top Rank and Donaire agreed to end their partnership after an 8-year run with only about a month remaining in the contract. On July 25, 2017, Donaire signed with Richard Schaefer's Ringstar Sports.

On September 23, 2017, Donaire returned to featherweight and defeated Ruben Garcia Hernandez via unanimous decision and won the vacant WBC Silver featherweight title at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Donaire vs. Frampton

In December 2017, Donaire came up as a potential opponent for Carl Frampton after the announcement from promoter Frank Warren. Negotiations began on December 19, 2017 between Donaire's promoter, Ringstar Sports, and Warren. On December 21, 2017, the fight was officially announced for April 21, 2018 at the SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland by Warren via the BoxNation Facebook page.

Frampton put on a defensive performance and beat Donaire in a unanimous decision, becoming the WBO interim super featherweight champion. All three judges scored the fight 117-111 for Frampton. Frampton fought well to get a strong lead and after round 6 started to fight on the backfoot. In the later rounds, Donaire had more success hurting Frampton on a number of occasions, landing a hard left hook in round 11.

Donaire was cut over his right after an accidental clash of heads in round 7, with the referee failing to call a time-out. After the fight, Frampton said on live television, "I didn't have to get involved in a fight there, as you saw in the last round Nonito Donaire is a dangerous motherfucker. I survived the round and stuck to my game plan. The only thing on my mind is Windsor Park and I can't wait to get there." According to CompuBox Stats, Frampton landed 164 of 557 punches thrown (29.4%) and Donaire landed 104 of his 447 thrown (23.3%).

Return to bantamweight

World Boxing Super Series

On May 9 2018, at a news conference in London, the World Boxing Super Series announced that season 2 would include the bantamweights.

Donaire vs. Burnett

The draft gala for the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) took place in Moscow on July 20, 2018. Donaire was chosen by top-seeded Ryan Burnett as his opponent in the quarter finals. On September 7, 2018, the WBSS announced a doubleheader would take place at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow on November 3, 2018. The card would see Burnett vs. Donaire as well as the quarter final fight from the Super-lightweight tournament which would see Scottish boxer Josh Taylor go up against American boxer Ryan Martin.

Burnett looked to have taken the first two rounds as Donaire resets on the third and begins to box smarter. During the third round Burnett received a counter left-hook to the body and the after effects were felt During the fourth round Burnett reached for his lower back after throwing a combination of punches and was counted as a knock down for Donaire. Burnett survives the round but failed to answer the bell for round five. Donaire showed respect to Burnett that instead of celebrating the win, Donaire went straight to Burnett's corner to give him some words of encouragement. Donaire captures the WBA (Super) bantamweight title and moves on to the semifinals of the WBSS and will face Zolani Tete of South Africa.

Donaire vs. Young

On April 27, 2019, Nonito Donaire faced #5-ranked WBA contender Stephon Young, a last-minute replacement from fellow World Boxing Super Series semi-finalist and WBO bantamweight titleholder Zolani Tete, who had to pull out of WBSS semi-final against Donaire due to a shoulder injury. The fight was held at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana, and the winner will face either WBA (Regular) bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue of Japan, or IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodríguez of Puerto Rico.

Donaire made use of his jab to outbox Young in the succeeding rounds and put a final stamp in the sixth round with a familiar finishing blow. Reminiscent of past knockout victories, Donaire unloaded a counter-left hook that landed flush on Young's jaw, immediately knocking out the #5-ranked WBA contender.

Donaire vs. Inoue

On November 8, 2019, Donaire faced Naoya Inoue for the WBSS Championship in Japan. Donaire lost the bout by unanimous decision. During the second round, Donaire opened a cut above Inoue's right eye after landing a left hook. It was the first time Inoue suffered a cut in his career. In the 11th round, Donaire was knocked down after absorbing a body shot. The bout was scored 116-111, 117-109, 114-113 in favor of Inoue. Donaire lost the WBSS championship and his WBA Super bantamweight title in the process.After the fight, Donaire and Inoue showed each other mutual respect, with Inoue lauding Donaire as "a true champion." The fight was later voted the Ring magazine Fight of the Year.

On August 8, 2008, Donaire married Rachel Marcial, a Filipino-American USA national collegiate and military Taekwondo champion in a private ceremony at Carmel, California followed by a church service in the Philippines on November 11, 2011. Donaire's wife is a member of his team and her father is his chief of security. On July 4, 2013, Donaire's pregnant wife was injured while saving a drowning child. She recovered and her unborn child was unharmed.

Professional

Major world titles:

• IBF flyweight champion (112 lbs)
• WBC bantamweight champion (118 lbs)
• WBO bantamweight champion (118 lbs)
• WBA (Super) bantamweight champion (118 lbs)
• WBO super bantamweight champion (122 lbs) (2×)
• IBF super bantamweight champion (122 lbs)
• WBA (Super) featherweight champion (126 lbs)

Interim titles:

• WBA interim super flyweight champion (115 lbs)

Minor world titles:

• IBO flyweight champion (112 lbs)

The Ring magazine titles:

• The Ring super bantamweight champion (122 lbs)

Lineal titles:

• Lineal super bantamweight champion (122 lbs)

Regional titles:

• WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champion (112 lbs)
• NABF super flyweight champion (115 lbs)
• WBC Continental Americas bantamweight champion (118 lbs)
• NABF super bantamweight champion (122 lbs)
• WBC Silver featherweight champion (126 lbs)

Honorary titles:

• 2013 Flash Elorde Memorial champion
• WBC Diamond super bantamweight champion
• WBC Diamond bantamweight champion

Amateur

National titles:

• 1998 National Silver Gloves champion
• 1999 National Jr. Olympics champion
• 2000 National USA Tournament champion

International titles:

• 1999 International Jr. Olympics champion

Amateur

National titles:

• 1998 National Silver Gloves champion
• 1999 National Jr. Olympics champion
• 2000 National USA Tournament champion

International titles:

• 1999 International Jr. Olympics champion

• 2007,2011 and 2012 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Sportsman of the Year
• 2007 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 5 against Vic Darchinyan)
• 2007 The Ring Upset of the Year (KO 5 against Vic Darchinyan)
• 2007 World Boxing Hall of Fame, Most Outstanding Boxer of the Year
• 2009, 2010 & 2011 Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Memorial Boxer of the Year
• 2009 Eastwood City Walk of Fame Awardee
• 2011 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Fernando Montiel)
• 2011 Sports Illustrated Knockout of the Year(in Round 2 against Fernando Montiel)
• 2011 ESPN Knockout of the Year(in Round 2 against Fernando Montiel)
• 2012 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year.
• 2012 ESPN Fighter of the Year.
• 2012 The Ring Fighter of the Year.
• 2012 Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year.
• 2012 Yahoo! Sports Fighter of the Year.

Donaire has appeared on television as a guest and has appeared on Celebrity Duets in third-season episodes on GMA. Donaire is also featured in the video games Fight Night Round 4 and Fight Night Champion.