Let’s pretend that the Filipino boxing hierarchy is run like the Mafia.
No doubt, the John Gotti–the capo di tutti capi, or “Boss of all Bosses”–is Manny Pacquiao.
I can envision the day when his daughter, Princess (now a toddler) gets married, some guys will be there recreating the “Godfather” classic scene when favors are asked of the powerful leader.
Maybe Buboy Fernandez will play the Luca Brasi role, I don’t know. For sure, Donaire won’t wiggle and wail like gutless Johnny Fontaine did in the classic movie.
What I do know that Pacman has a loyal, respectful and growing in stature “associate” in fellow world ring champion Nonito Donaire Jr.
Donaire, age 28, left the Philippines with his family for America at age 10. What he didn’t leave behind when he left the Old Country were Pinoy values of proper conduct and paying respect to his elders.
Not that, at 32, we call him Mang Manny but Donaire gives credit to the Pinoy Idol as the one from whom all Filipino boxing success flows.
This video underlines that.
Will Doniare ever wish to put on a political vest like Congressman Pacquiao of Sarangani?
I don’t think so but he could and his dazzling wife, Rachel, would of course be in his corner.
I once wrote that, if she was a qualified boxing manager, then I am an astronaut.
Who knew then that Nonito would deliver “out of this world” performances back to back against Messrs. Sidrenko and Montiel?
Montiel, in particular, was last seen revolving around Jupiter or whatever they call that forlorn planet these days.
I’ve put that column in my Wayback Shredder as Mrs. D is not just a sexy accessory on hubby’s arm.
She is an asset to Team Donaire just like Lady Jinkee is to Team Pacquiao.
So, upon reflection, maybe I need to report with my shiny spacesuit to Mission Control, NASA in Houston, for my next launching.
Evidently, Donaire is not so egomaniacal as to ignore Pacquiao’s massive achievements and focus only on his rising stock.
The Pinoy Pair don’t just share the same promoter, they share the same mindset as to a rising Filipino boxing tide (it’s getting like a tsunami lately) lifting all boats.
In unity, there is strength.
Maybe Godfather Manny will authorize Donaire to “whack” a certain fighter from Puerto Rico and one from Cuba.
That’s down the line, those Juan Ma and Gamboa bouts if they happen.
Right now, Donaire is basking in well earned glory in two countries, his ancestral home and his new country. He’ll never be Pacquiao, no one else can climb to that Pinoy pinnacle.
But being the greatest Fil-Am boxer ever isn’t chopped balut.
It’s a worthy goal and Donaire is walking that road.
He needs to outdo himself, not outdo Pacquiao.
By paying proper tribute to the Godfather, Donaire marks himself as a “hitman” with intelligence and firepower.
Instead of being jealous of Pacquiao’s radiance, Donaire has kissed his ring.
Mama Donaire raised no fools, that much is plain.
