Donaire thanks Belfast boo boys in advance for Frampton fight fuel

Nonito Donaire [38(24)-4(1)] has thanked Irish fight fans for their boos in advance.

The experienced four-weight world champion certainly didn’t get the Scott Quigg, Kiko Martinez, or Chris Avalos treatment at the press conference to officially announce his mouthwatering clash with Belfast’s favourite fight son Carl Frampton [24(14)-1(0)] yesterday.

In fact, he received a warm welcome in a city which he was keen to point out was cold only in weather terms.

However, ‘The Filipino Flash’ expects that to change as April 21st draws nearer. Donaire is aware of the passionate support generated at a Frampton fight night and is expecting a hostile reception when he takes to the ring at the SSE Odyssey Arena in what is being billed as a make or break fight.

Rather than fear it, Donaire plans to embrace it and he is already using it as preparation fuel and he all but thanked home fans for helping him train harder during Wednesday’s press conference.

“There’s big support and to see the loyalty from Belfast and the Irish people… I’ve heard how rugged and rough and tremendous the support here is for Carl. There’s going to be boos and yelling, but I welcome that because that’s fantastic and that’s what support is all about.”

At this time, a lone, good-natured boo came from the back of the room, much to everyone’s enjoyment and a laughing Donaire added “before the boos come in, I just want to say thank you for the boos for fuelling me to be inspired! And of course the cheers too! I’m grateful to be here and excited at the same time.”

While he pre-empts being treated as the villain in the Spring, the former pound-for-pound star admitted he was treated with nothing but warmth since he arrived in Belfast early this week.

Donaire described how”of course, the Filipino community has been so warm to me, but the people were so warm to me knowing who I was facing. They still treated me with respect and love.”

“I have been blown away by how kind you guys are. One thing I have to say, the love and loyalty you can’t find anywhere else. Irish people and Belfast people, the love they have for Carl is amazing.”

“I’ve been here since Tuesday and people would say ‘I wish you luck, but not too much’ or ‘I wish you well, but not too well’. They were making it as a joke in a way, but to be kind and welcoming with the love and loyalty, you can’t find anywhere else.”

“I’m delighted to be here knowing Carl is going to be at his best because you guys are behind him and that’s wonderful.”

The affable Donaire, whose genuine nature seemed to impress all in attendance on Wednesday, was on a charm offensive, possibly in a bid to lessen the inevitable boos.

However, when it comes down to it the 35-year-old is coming to fight and feels that may win him respect.

“I’m coming here with the mindset of a warrior and I see how the Irish people love to fight, the warrior and the heart.”