MikeLigalig.com

Source:  www.philstar.com

Dubbed as The Filipino Flash, Nonito “Junjun” Donaire Jr. visited his native Bohol with his wife Rachel Marcial (a Fil-Am taekwondo jin) and some friends from the US.

According to Funfare Bohol correspondent Leo Udtohan, Nonito and Rachel were married on Aug. 28, 2008 and he promised Rachel the trip to Bohol.

“Junjun took the group to Balicasag Island for diving,” reported Leo. “They also visited the Hinagdanan Cave, the Blood Compact Marker, Baclayon Church and Loboc River. Junjun posed wide-eyed with the tarsier. They had lunch at Riverwatch (operated by Tessie and Libby Sumalpong).”  During a stopover at the end of Loboc River for a cruise, Junjun danced with a local dance group which entertains the “cruisers.”

“He danced very well at mahusay ding kumanta,” added Leo. “The local folks which mobbed him were very delighted. In fairness, he knows how to grind and has a good voice. He attracted crowds everywhere he went, including the Chocolate Hills.”

In Talibon, he paid a courtesy call on Mayor Juanario Item who gave him a Plaque of Excellence. Junjun was born in Talibon, raised in General Santos City in the Philippines and moved to the US when he was 10 years old.

Leo said that Junjun also visited Alejandro Gurrea Elementary School where he studied before moving to US, and the abandoned, old house where he was born. Junjun was with his mom Elvira while they recalled his childhood memories.

“He was misty-eyed when he entered the old house,” noted Leo.


A tale of two boxers

As we brace for the bout of Manny Pacquiao with Ricky Hatton on Sunday, May 3, have boxing fans ever paused to ponder on whatever happened to past champions who have also made the country proud?

 Sadly, in the euphoria that follows the victory of every Filipino boxer, such as the recent win of Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria, we conveniently overlook the plight of other champions who were celebrated during their heyday and forgotten soon after, neglected by the government which should reward them for a job well done.

A case in point is Luisito Espinosa, former world champion in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, whose story is told by San Francisco-based Filipino journalist Mike Genovea for Funfare readers.

Here it is:

The fists that once battered his opponents in the ring are now reduced to cleaning tables in a fastfood restaurant here in San Francisco.

The hands belong to Luisito Espinosa, 41, the former world champion in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

Espinosa retired after he was KO’d by Cristobal Cruz in their 2005 fight in Stockton, California.

To survive, Espinosa worked as a stocker at Costco (a membership wholesale store chain) for three years. Now a busboy at McDonald’s at the corner of Serramonte and Gellert Avenues, he’s applying for work at Lucky Chances, a casino owned by a Filipino, at nearby Colma area.

“I have to work to be able to pay for my bills,” said Espinosa who held the WBA bantamweight title from 1989 to 1991 and the WBC featherweight crown from 1995 to 1998. He assured that he’s still in shape because, as part-time job, he trains boxers while working out at the 3rd Avenue Gym.

“I am good for two more years,” said Espinosa, once dubbed as The Original Golden Boy of boxing, who couldn’t hide his resentment toward what he called “greedy” managers (“Except Papa Sarreal”) who were interested more in fattening their pockets than in advancing his career.

That’s why, unlike Pacquiao, he never came close to achieving mega-bucks purses despite being at the top for eight years.

His father Dio and uncle Leo were also boxers.

Separated from his wife Marie Cherie (with whom he has three children), Espinosa is still recognized by Pinoys who go to McDonald’s. During our interview, six people said hi to him.

“Kung minsan nga binibiro ko sila. Kapag tinatanong nila kung ako si Espinosa na boxer, ang sagot ko hindi.”

Espinosa wrested the WBA bantamweight title in 1989 by knocking out Khaokor Galaxy in the first round. He defended his title twice before losing it to Israel Contreras by a fifth round KO in 1991.

He was in the limelight again in 1995 when he won the WBC featherweight crown by outpointing Manuel Medina. He defended his title seven times before bowing to Cesar Soto by unanimous decision in 1999.







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