LET'S PRAY FOR RONNIE'S SPEEDY RECOVERY

Ronnie Nathanielsz suffered a heart attack and then went into cardiac arrest on his way to cover Manny Pacquiao vs Jessie Vargas WBO World title fight on the weekend.

As you read this Ronnie is in a hospital in San Francisco fighting for his health.

I first met Ronnie 13 years ago and he has been a Australia SEN Radio Ringside Asian boxing correspondent. For the past 6 years Ronnie has taken our calls from his sick bed and never let the team down or asked for any payment fee for his radio work. That is the type of man Ronnie Nathanielsz is. His character is never questioned and he is a man of principle.

One time before the first Pacquiao-Bradley fight, I needed a camera guy and a driver to go to Baguio to interview Manny in training camp for the Australia C31 KO Boxing show. I asked Ronnie about it and not sure what Ronnie would say. He got his phone out and simply said "you will be picked in the morning just pay for the gas for the car no payment required... "I said NO Ronnie I want to pay," but he said, "You are my friend and I can help you here. I will also use the footage for my show so go ahead and enjoy." Ronnie is always there to help people.

I have also commentated and work with Ronnie for TV on boxing events and he is a outstanding professional with a sharp mind.

Ronnie would always finish with his favorite quote while talking to his friends and I would always text Ronnie back, "Ronnie you are the best we have got."

I am sure we are all one in here and praying for a speedy recovery for Ronnie as Boxing would not be the same without him.

Photo: Ronnie Nathanielsz (L) with the author.