THE Philippines’ dual world boxing champions finally had their most memorable faceoff with the nation’s most influential leader.
World minimumweight champion Florante Condes and world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. made a courtesy call to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday afternoon at the Malaca?ang Palace.
Postponed thrice, both champions had the time of their lives when the President welcomed the two as they were going up the stairs leading to the Palace’s Music Room.
“The experience was an honor. It was a great feeling to be honored.
The moment I was going up the stairs with the President there, it was unbelievable,” said Donaire.
Donaire regained for the country the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight crown by stopping Australia-based Armenian Vic Darchinyan in the fifth round with an explosive left hook to the face three weeks ago in Connecticut.
During the late ’80s and early ’90s the country held the very same title courtesy of Rolando Bohol and polio-stricken Dodie Boy Pe?alosa, the country’s first two division world champion.
“Masaya po ako at nagpapasalamat na binigyan kami ng parangal ng Presidente,” said Condes.
Condes, like Donaire, reclaimed the IBF crown once held by Eric Chavez and was succeeded by Manny Melchor nearly a decade ago.
Condes took the crown away from Indonesian Muhammad Rachman via split decision on July 7 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
“Congratulations to you both. The country’s proud of what you did. Keep it up,” said the President.
After the photo session, both champions and their entourage had a private chat with the President inside the Music Room.
Donaire was with his father Nonito Sr., cousin Arvin Jugarap and close friend and General Santos City mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. who was invited by the Donaires.
Condes and Donaire received cash incentives from the President.
The President asked Condes and Donaire about their next bouts but both of them are still unsure about the immediate plans of their respective managers.
The duo, however, guaranteed the President of giving their all in keeping their crowns in Philippine territory.
“I’m keeping this belt for a long time. From what I experienced and from all the support that everybody has given me. There’s no way I’m giving this belt up,” Donaire told the President.
The President also presented a cake designed like a boxing ring with the Philippine flag and the IBF belt on top of it.
The champions’ were also joined by Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Eric Buhain and GAB boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz.
Donaire, born in Talibon, Bohol, is slated to fly back to General Santos City were he stayed the past few days with relatives.
Condes, a native of Romblon, is based in Binangonan, Rizal, were he is staying with Filipino manager Aljoe Jaro.
Condes returns to training in two weeks. Jaro is currently in the United States attending to one of his fighters, Bernabe Concepcion, who will see action this weekend in Chicago.
Jaro will also meet Top Rank executives to propose a possible inclusion of Condes in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Marco Antonio Barrera return bout.
Donaire, on the other hand, is hoping his manager Cameron Dunkin will be able to convince either World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Takefumi Sakata or World Boxing Council (WBC) ruler Daisuke Naito to a unification bout before the end of the year.
Donaire is scheduled to return to the US Monday.
