Nonito Donaire splits with father as head trainer

Ryan Songalia

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Nonito Donaire splits with father as head trainer
'The Filipino Flash' and his father split once again, but this time on better terms

MANILA, Philippines – WBO junior featherweight titleholder Nonito Donaire Jr has split with his father Nonito Sr once again, as the two have agreed to part ways after 3 years back together. No replacement has yet been named.

Donaire Sr revealed his plan to resign as head trainer on Facebook, stating that he wanted to return to his home in California’s Bay Area while Donaire Jr lives and trains in Las Vegas.

“I’ve been grateful to work [Jun’s corner] for the past couple years,” Donaire Sr writes.

“I know he will find a trainer that will take him to the next level and hopefully I’ll be at the fight ringside to watch.

The two reconciled in 2013 after splitting acrimoniously in 2009, mending both their personal and professional differences. Donaire Sr took over his son’s corner for the rematch with Vic Darchinyan, going 6-1 and winning the WBA featherweight and WBO junior featherweight titles again against one loss versus Nicholas Walters.

Following the first split with his father, Donaire Jr trained with Robert Garcia, with both earning BWAA Fighter of the Year and Trainer of the Year laurels for 2012.

Donaire Jr, in a message posted to his official Facebook account, assured his father will still be at ringside. 

“My dad and I talked and he expressed to me he wanted to go back to the Bay Area and right now our paths aren’t crossing for him to be in my corner,” says Donaire Jr. “He is an amazing trainer and an even better father. I wish him the best of luck in the path he chooses.”

Donaire hasn’t fought since knocking out Zsolt Bedak this past April in Cebu City, and his next fight has yet to be announced. The name of Jessie Magdaleno, his Top Rank stablemate and current number one contender has frequently been mentioned however.

(READ: Donaire dedicates Bedak fight to dad, seeks KO win)

Messages to Nonito Donaire Jr were not returned at the time of this story’s publication. – Rappler.com

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