WHEN Nonito Donaire Jr. burst into the consciousness of Filipino fans, not a few were turned off by his cockiness, and in roundtable discussions all over the country, that attitude would always get compared to Manny Pacquiao?s humility.
Manny Pacquiao, for all his flaws–women and vices–was readily forgiven by some fans and in contrast, when Donaire Jr. and Sr. had a falling out, the same fans put the blame on the younger Donaire. Family, after all, is the most important in the Filipino culture and that public falling out between the two touched a raw nerve among fans.
The feud was public, but they?re patching up years later was more quiet and now, father and son are back again.
For Junior, it?s a chance to say thanks and acknowledge the importance of his father in his career. If not for his dad, he wouldn?t be a boxer.
In a surprise twist last Thursday, during the final press conference for his title defense today at the Cebu City Sports Center, Junior basically admitted to all the wrongs he has been quietly accused of all those years.
Cocky. So sure of himself and worse, ungrateful.
His voice almost breaking down, he admitted that he was never really grateful to his father and he wanted to dedicate this Saturday?s fight to him.
Senior didn?t say a word. But, while Junior was almost breaking down, he reached out and tapped his back, the universal sign of ?all is forgiven.?
Junior said he reached a low point after that knockout loss to Nicholas Walters, leading to a soul-searching in his next steps, not only as a boxer, but also as a father, husband and son.
?I used to think sheer talent can get me through all the guys,? he said.
He no longer considers himself a master, but as a student, one who is constantly learning to get better, both off and on the ring. It?s an attitude that sports fans, and non-fans even, can learn from.
Gone too is that cocky, ?I?ll retire if I lose? statement, replaced by ?If there is a lesson to be learned, we can continue. If we can be better each day or each fight, then we continue. But if the danger aspect is there, then I can not compete anymore.?
It was the most unique press conference I attended as it seemed like a motivational seminar instead of a Q and A between the press and the boxers.
?The hardest thing for a man is to face the mirror and admit you make mistakes.?
?The mindset that I have now, anything is possible. It?s OK to make mistakes…No matter how difficult the road is, how hard the body suffers, I know I can control the day, I can make the day end happy or strong my way. I have become a changed man, everything around me is a blessing and if you have gratitude, you can face anything. If you can face yourself in the mirror, you can be honest with yourself, then you can face anything.?
At one point, the emcee of the press con wondered if it was better to put up a confessional in the room, as Donaire was baring his soul for everyone. He gamely said that there was no need for a confessional, he?d just answer each question truthfully.
Donaire was really relaxed at the press conference, too, gamely playing the role of a translator for the local fighters and posing for pictures with the fighters in the undercard. He said he has felt the love of the Cebuanos and the red-carpet treatment he and his team him has received has motivated him some more.
Today, Zsolt Bedak is going to feel that motivation.
