FRESH from his shocking knockout win over a previously undefeated champion, Nonito Donaire has been emboldened enough to give Manny Pacquiao an unsolicited advice: Take the cue from him.
“Hey, he (Pacquiao) can do it,” Donaire said of the more popular but older Pinoy ring icon, who is challenging unbeaten Errol Spence Jr. for the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight belts on Aug. 21 (Aug. 22 in Manila) in Las Vegas.
Donaire, 38, made the comment shortly after knocking out Frenchman Nordine Ouabaali, 34, in the fourth round to capture the World Boxing Council bantamweight crown and earn the distinction of becoming the oldest world champion in the weight division.
“Pacquiao has seen me do it so he can do it. He is one of those guys nobody believed in.
And when he showed up (to win) everybody loved him. He’s going to do the same thing (to Spence),” he said in encouragement of his illustrious countryman.
Pacquiao, 42, who has not fought in more than two years, is 11 years older than the undefeated Spence, 31, and also gives away at least four inches in height to 5-foot-10 American.
Donaire’s wife, Rachel, also weighed in, saying Pacquiao still has what it takes to come out on top despite being the heavy underdog to Spence, who hopes to extend his winning streak to 28 when the two protagonists tangle in what promises to be a surefire box-office hit.
“Manny, if he is focused, will do extremely well (against Spence). I love Manny fight. Is it a good opportunity for him to make history? Yes!” she exclaimed.
Pacquiao was among those who immediately congratulated the newly-crowned world champion, tweeting: “Congrats Nonito Donaire on a huge KO win! The oldest WBC bantamweight champion in history. Still living up to your nickname, the Flash! #PinoyPride.”
