Former world champion Nonito Donaire’s father, Nonito Sr., has been tapped to join eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao’s think-tank in preparation for his much-awaited world title fight against Argentine star Lucas Matthysse on July 15 at the Axiata Arena in Malaysia.
Donaire Sr. is tasked to help out in plotting out tactical plans of Pacquiao, 39, his fellow General Santos City native who will try to wrest the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown from the younger Matthyse, 35.
“Donaire will serve as one of the assistant coaches,” said Pacquiao, who is bent on forming an all-Filipino coaching crew which already includes his long-time friend Buboy Fernandez as head coach and Nonoy Neri as top deputy.
Pacquiao, who sports a 59-7-2 win-loss-draw card, with 38 of his victories coming by way of knockouts, has yet to name his strength and conditioning tactician since he opened his training camp last week.
“So far, so good. I am happy with my current team,” said Pacquiao, who is eager to put himself back on track after getting stunned by Australian brawler Jeff Horn via a controversial unanimous decision for the WBO welterweight crown in Brisbane last year.
The “Fighting Senator” is pleased with his current pace after doing two trial rounds with the mitts with Donaire Sr. before he went scuba diving last Sunday and continued his road work the morning after.
Pacquiao is confident that Donaire Sr. can rediscover the winning touch he had when he helped his son, Nonito, become a multiple world champion in four weight classes, including the IBF flyweight crown which he held from 2007 to 2009.
