Nonito Donaire Jr. (born November 16 1982) is a Filipino American professional boxer who is popularly know as "The Filipino Flash" for his quick hand speed and punching power. Donaire is a four-weight world champion having won titles in the flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight, and featherweight divisions and an interim title holder in the super flyweight division.

Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines the third of four children to Filipino parents. His brother is Glenn Donaire, a flyweight boxer. Donaire's cousin, Richar Donaire, is also a professional boxer.

Until he was six years of age, Donaire lived in General Santos City, South Cotabato and attended the same school as the eight division world champion, Manny Pacquiao. Donaire was a child of small stature who was bullied.

Donaire's father was an amateur boxer who competed in the US in the early 1990s. His paternal grandfather was born in Hawaii, United States and this gave Donaire US citizenship under the principle of Jus Sanuinis. In 1993, at the age of eleven, Donaire joined his father in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California. They later lived in San Leandro, California, and San Mateo County, California.

Donaire said that during his childhood he wished for more attention from his parents and, after his brother started boxing, the attention given to him. This was his reason for entering the sport of boxing at the age of eleven even though he did not enjoy it. His father supported his choice as he felt it would keep Donaire off the streets. During their younger years, Donaire and his older brother, Glenn, would spar. Donaire also watched videos of his hero, Alexis Arguello, and from them he learned to throw a powerful left hook.

While enrolled at the San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, California Donaire and his brother won several regional and district amateur boxing championships. In his first amateur bout, he beat his opponent with straight punches, all the while thinking that "I'm gong to kill him before he kills me." However, Donaire had little confidence until he had five professional knockout victories.

On August 8, 2008, Donaire married a Filipino-American USA national collegiate and military Taekwondo champion in a private ceremony at Carmel, California followed by a church service in the Philippines on November 11, 2011. Donaire's wife is a member of his team and her father is his chief of security.

Amateur career

As a young american amateur boxer, Donaire won three national championships: the National Silver Gloves (1998), National Junior Olympics (1999) and the National USA Tournament (2000). He also won the 1999 International Junior Olympics gold medal. Donaire's amateur record was 68-8 with 5 technical knockout (TKOs).

Professional career

In 2001, Donaire and his brother became professional boxers. They signed contracts with a promoter, Jackie Kallen. Donaire was paid a monthly salary of $1,5000. In 2001, after a controversial decision, Donaire lost his second fight against Rosendo Sanchez. The impassioned him to win his fights which he did until April 2013. After four professional bouts, Donaire and his brother left their contracts with Kallen and returned to Manila and then to San Leandro, where there were fewer distractions.

Early years as professional boxer

On September 9, 2002 in Guam, Donaire won his first regional title, the vacant WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title. He knocked out Kaichon Sor Vorapin in the second round. On January 20, 2006, Donaire won his second regional title, the NABF super flyweight title, by defeating Kahren Harutyunyan on ShoBox on a split decision. On October 7, 2006, Donaire defeated Oscar Andrade, a veteran boxer.