New York ? Nonito Donaire and his team went straight to a scheduled After Party on Studio 21, a New York club on West 56th St. after his fight at The Radio City Music Hall.
Donaire, who just lost his WBO belt to now unified champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, was not in the mood to celebrate and just sat at the farthest corner of the club surrounded by his team, family and friends. His fans and supporters lined up to console him and he gamely posed with them for pictures inside the dark and noisy dance club.
The former champ accommodated his fans but had to take breaks as one of his trainers mend the swelling under his right eye, a consequence of Rigondeaux?s punches.
Donaire, who was sporting large dark sunglasses inside the club, aimed to cover the swelling in his face, was appreciative of the support he received from his well-wishers as he hugged and shook their hands in return.
?Pakisabi sorry sa kanila at nagpapasalamat ako sa kanilang suporta, ginawa ko naman ang lahat ng aking makakaya pero I came up short (Tell them I am sorry and I thank them for their support, I really did my best but I came up short)," was his reply when I asked if he has any message to his fans and countrymen in the Philippines who are hurting after his defeat.
?Alam ko na nalulungkot sila at humihingi ako ng pasensya at di ko nakuha ang W. but I?ll be back and I?ll be better (I know they are sad and I ask for their understanding because I did not get the W. but I?ll be back and I?ll be better)," said Donaire.
Donaire said that he would want a rematch against Rigondeaux in his post-fight interview. He also mentioned his plan to move up in weight in his next fight and revealed that he might be in need of surgery for an injured shoulder.
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