Donaire to don yellow trunks for Cory

MANILA, Philippines - IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. will be stepping in the ring next week wearing yellow trunks in honor of the late former President Corazon Aquino.

Donaire, who will be going up against Panama’s Rafael Concepcion for the WBA interim super flyweight title, said he has chosen Mrs. Aquino’s trademark yellow color as a way of paying tribute to her.

“One thing is that what she (Mrs. Aquino) has done for the country and what she has tried to do for the country is something that you have to acknowledge,” Donaire told reporters in a conference call to promote his upcoming fight.

“She has fought, just like her sign ‘Laban,’ which means fight. She always had that fight and love for the country to just get it to another level. I just have great respect for the late former president. It’s my way to pay her tribute and give my respects to her,” he said.

Mrs. Aquino passed away last Saturday due to complications from colon cancer. Known as an icon of Philippine democracy who toppled a dictator in a peaceful “People Power” revolution in 1986, the former chief executive was buried last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Donaire is now in Las Vegas, Nevada, to wrap up his pre-fight preparations. He and Concepcion are slated to meet on Aug. 15 (Aug. 16 in Manila) at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Donaire hasn’t fought since knocking out previously unbeaten Raul Martinez at the Araneta Coliseum last April.

The Donaire-Concepcion is the main event of the “Pinoy Power 2” boxing card promoted by Top Rank Inc. – the same outfit handling Manny Pacquiao. – Contributed by Dino Maragay