President Arroyo on Monday praised two boxing underdogs who separately won championship titles in Indonesia and United States over the weekend.
“Boxing champions Florente Condes and Nonito Donaire herald the fighting spirit of the Filipino athlete… These men, described in the press as underdogs, prove they belong to the league of champions,” Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement.
Condes, a native of Romblon province, won in a split-decision over champion boxer Muhammad Rachman and snatched the International Boxing Federation mini-flyweight belt in a heart pounding match in Jakarta, Indonesia Saturday night.
Donaire, a Filipino American whose parents hailed from General Santos City, grabbed the International Boxing Organization flyweight crown after knocking out Vic Darchinyan in the fifth round of their 12-round match up.
Both Filipino boxers were considered as underdogs in the matches. Filipinos back home were not fully aware of their fights.
“We salute their achievement and rejoice in their victory,” Mrs. Arroyo said.
With their victories, Donaire and Condes joined the ranks of Filipino boxing icons like Manny Pacquiao.
