3/2 may refer to:

• The Fraction (mathematics) for one and one half (1/2), or in decimal form 1.5
• 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines
• A triple metre time signature
• A common aspect ratio (image)
• Hemiola

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Flo Rida
Flo Rida on the set of "Sugar" in 2009.
Background information
Birth name	Tramar Dillard
Born	(1979-12-16) December 16, 1979 (age 32) Carol City, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, actor
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Atlantic, Poe Boy, International Music Group, Strong Arm
Associated acts	Akon, Brisco, Lady Gaga, Timbaland, David Guetta, Kesha, T-Pain, Nicki Minaj , Taio Cruz, Sia Furler, Ne-Yo, Avicii
Website	officialflo.com

Tramar Dillard (born December 16, 1979) better known by his stage name Flo Rida (pronounced  /floʊ ˈraɪdə/), is an American rapper. He released his debut album, Mail on Sunday, in March 2008. His debut single "Low", featuring T-Pain, was a No. 1 hit for ten weeks in United States in early 2008. Two other singles resulted from Mail on Sunday: "Elevator" and "In the Ayer". In 2009, his second album R.O.O.T.S. was released; its most successful single "Right Round" was at the top of the Hot 100 for six weeks. Since then, he has released his third studio album titled Only One Flo (Part 1), which will see a sequel titled Wild Ones.

Biography[link]

Early life and career beginnings[link]

Tramar Dillard was born in the 187th Street projects of Carol City, Florida.^[1] His mother raised him and his seven sisters, some of whom sang in a local gospel group.^[2] Dillard's brother-in-law was a hypeman for local rap group 2 Live Crew, and while in ninth grade, Dillard formed his own amateur group with some friends called the GroundHoggz.^[3] Born and raised in Miami, the GroundHoggz formed in the 187 apartments in Carol City. Similar to Goodie Mob, they were making music for the love of the art and to feed their souls. With only three members, 1Bred, Key Lime, and Fist, they found their missing link when Flo Rida, who lived in the same apartments, spit a verse for them. They were instantly impressed. Together for eight years, they started recording at underground studios in Carver Ranches.^[4] His work with 2 Live Crew member Fresh Kid Ice attracted the attention of DeVante Swing, a member of the band Jodeci. However, he was rejected by several of the major labels, so he sought many other jobs outside of music.^[5] After graduating from high school in 1998, he studied international business management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for two years and attended Barry University for two months.^[5][6] He returned to Florida to continue pursuing his music career after receiving a phone call from a representative of the independent label Poe Boy Entertainment.^[5] Dillard signed with Poe Boy in 2006, and as Flo Rida he began affiliating with other artists, such as Rick Ross, Trina, T-Pain, and Trick Daddy. A promotional street single entitled "Birthday", featuring Rick Ross, was his first significant release. He made his debut guest appearance with the song "Bitch I'm from Dade County" on DJ Khaled's album We the Best, which featured Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, Brisco, C-Ride, and Dre.^[7]

[edit] 2007–08: Mail on Sunday

Rehearsing for the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto.

Flo Rida's first single was "Low", featuring T-Pain. It was his first official single from his debut album Mail On Sunday and the soundtrack to the movie Step Up 2: The Streets. "Low" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.^[7] "Elevator", featuring Timbaland, "In the Ayer" featuring will.i.am, and "Roll" featuring Sean Kingston followed and all charted on the Hot 100 and other charts.^[8]

T-Pain, who laced the first single, is only one of the many featured guests throughout the album. Timbaland, who produced the second single "Elevator", is also featured on the track. Rick Ross, and Trey Songz made appearances as well.^[9] Lil Wayne has also been added to the list^[9] with assistance on the "American Superstar" track while Sean Kingston appears on the J. R. Rotem-produced "Roll" the concept was created, and co-written by Compton rapper Spitfiya, from The Bullets Production Team, Various other guests include Birdman, Brisco, and Yung Joc. The third single is "In the Ayer" featuring Will.i.am. The fourth single was scheduled to be "Money Right" featuring Brisco, and Rick Ross, but was canceled due to the release of his upcoming second studio album R.O.O.T.S. His second collaboration with T-Pain, "I Bet", as well as his collaboration with Trina, named "Bout It", both didn't make the final tracklist, but were recorded. As for production, J. R. Rotem, DJ Montay, and Timbaland all provided tracks for Mail on Sunday, among others.

After the success of Mail on Sunday, Flo Rida made guest performances on other R&B, rap, and pop singles, including "Move Shake Drop" by DJ Laz, "We Break the Dawn" by Michelle Williams, the remix of "4 Minutes" by Madonna, "Running Back" by Australian R&B singer Jessica Mauboy, "Feel It" by DJ Felli Fel, and the remix of "Speedin'" by Rick Ross. During the summer of 2008, he did live performances on the Fox dance competition program So You Think You Can Dance in the US^[10] and 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards in Canada.^[11] He appeared on the albums We Global by DJ Khaled, Gutta by Ace Hood, and The Fame by Lady Gaga, among others.

[edit] 2009–10: R.O.O.T.S.

Flo Rida performing "Right Round" at the Circus Club in Finland on July 9, 2009.

According to Billboard magazine, Flo Rida began recording his sophomore nine months after Mail On Sunday. The album is titled R.O.O.T.S. and was released on March 31, 2009.^[12] The first single "Right Round" featured Ke$ha and was released for airplay in January 2009. "Right Round" jumped from number 58 to the top spot in one week in late February. The song broke a record for the most digital one week sales in the U.S., with 636,000, beating the previous record he had set himself with "Low".^[13] "Right Round" sampled "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)", a 1985 hit by Dead or Alive.^[14] The second official single was "Sugar", which featured R&B singer Wynter Gordon. The song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Jump" is the third official single and was released on July 27, 2009 in the UK, and July 28, 2009 worldwide.^[15] The song features Canadian singer Nelly Furtado. As of August 13, 2009 it has peaked at number fifty-four in the US, number twenty-seven in Canada, number twenty-one in the UK, and number eighteen in Australia. "Be on You" has been confirmed as the album's fourth official single for a release on October 6, 2009. The song features American singer Ne-Yo. When the album was released the single debuted at number ninety in the US. The song has received airplay since the albums release, and has since peaked at number nineteen in the US, and number fifty-one in the UK. "Available" was going to be released on iTunes but was cancelled. It charted at number 120 in Ireland. The song features Akon. A music video was also shot in mid-2009.^[16] R.O.O.T.S. debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 55,000 copies in its first week.^[17] As of August, 2009, the album has sold 223,000 copies in the United States, and 536,000 worldwide. By the end of 2009, the album sold 247,000 copies becoming the eighth best selling rap album of 2009.^[18]

Flo Rida made guest performances on "Feel It" by DJ Felli Fel, "Starstruck" by Lady Gaga, and "Feel It" by Three 6 Mafia. "Bad Boys", the first single by winner of British reality show The X Factor Alexandra Burke that featured Flo Rida, debuted at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in October.^[19]

[edit] 2010–11: Only One Flo (Part 1)

Flo Rida's third album Only One Flo (Part 1) was released on November 24, 2010. In March 2010, Flo Rida announced on Twitter that the album would be titled The Only One.^[20] Billboard reported that The Only One was to be a double album.^[21] A promo single, titled "Zoosk Girl", which features T-Pain, was released on the internet, though the song is not featured on the album, the single does have its own music video. On June 28, 2010, Flo Rida released the song "Club Can't Handle Me" featuring David Guetta, which was stated to be the official first single for the album. The song was also featured in the Step Up 3D soundtrack.^[22] On November 2, 2010, "Come with Me" was released as the first promo single for the album, along with "Puzzle", produced, and featuring by Electrixx, which isn't featured on the album. On November 16, 2010, "Turn Around (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)" was released as the second official promo single for the album via the iTunes Store.^[23] It debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number thirty-four on November 29, 2010.^[24] After the release of the album in the UK, "Who Dat Girl" started to receive a strong amount of downloads, thus causing it to debut at number 136^[25] on the UK Singles Chart and chart at a current peak of number thirty-one on the UK R&B Chart.^[26] "Why You Up In Here" was released as the fourth single, and third promo single, on May 11, 2011. The song features Ludacris, Gucci Mane, and Git Fresh.

Flo Rida also made guest appearances on "iYiYi", a song by Australian teen singer Cody Simpson, and on the song "Out My Video" by Bulgarian singer LiLana. Flo Rida collaborated with UK girl group The Saturdays, recording a new version of the girl's single, "Higher".^[27] In December 2010, the Associated Press reported that Flo Rida had created his own label, International Music Group, inspired by Nicki Minaj's signing with Lil Wayne's. He has signed an 18 year-old rapper, Brianna^[28] and Git Fresh^[29] to International. Lately, Flo Rida has teamed up with the Malaysian singer, Mizz Nina, on a song called Take Over.

Driving issues[link]

On June 9, 2011, Flo Rida was arrested in Miami Beach, Florida for DUI and driving with a suspended license.^[30][31] Flo Rida was released from jail after he posted $2,000 bail and obtained a signed court order allowing him to travel to Asia for a series of previously scheduled concerts in Bangkok over the weekend.^[32]

[edit] 2011–present: Wild Ones

Flo Rida performing live in 2012.

The first single from Rida's upcoming album, Wild Ones, originally Only One Rida (Part 2), is "Good Feeling", released on August 29, 2011.^[33] The songs samples "Levels" by Avicii, which samples Etta James' 1962 song, "Something's Got a Hold on Me". Following the death of Etta James on January 20, 2012, Flo Rida dedicated the song in her memory.^[34] The song has peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100,^[35] topped the charts in Austria,^[36] Germany,^[37] Scotland,^[38] and the UK. It has also reached the top five in nine different countries worldwide.

On April 1, Flo Rida made an appearance at WrestleMania XXVIII and have a segment with Heath Slater, Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks where Heath calls Flo Rida "Florida" and Flo Rida shoves him into a wall; making Tyler and Curt come out laughing at Heath. Later that night Flo Rida performed "Wild Ones" and "Good Feeling" before Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson came out to battle John Cena. On April 6, 2012 and exclusive Australian EP entitled Good Feeling was released in Australia which contains six of his biggest hits and two remixes.^[39] It debuted at No. 21 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart^[40] On May 22, 2012, Flo Rida performed and closed the show at the first Q102 Springle Ball Concert, the following day he performed "Goin' In" with Jennifer Lopez on the America Idol finale.

Discography[link]

• Mail on Sunday (2008)
• R.O.O.T.S. (2009)
• Only One Flo (Part 1) (2010)
• Wild Ones (2012)

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website

Paul Merson

Personal information
Full name	Paul Charles Merson
Date of birth	(1968-03-20) 20 March 1968 (age 44)
Place of birth	Harlesden, London, England
Height	5 ft 11.5 in (1.82 m)
Playing position	Midfielder Forward
Youth career
	Arsenal
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1985–1997	Arsenal	289	(78)
1987	→ Brentford (loan)	6	(0)
1997–1998	Middlesbrough	48	(12)
1998–2002	Aston Villa	101	(18)
2002–2003	Portsmouth	44	(12)
2003–2006	Walsall	68	(6)
2006	Tamworth	1	(0)
2012	Welshpool Town	1	(1)
Total		623	(127)
National team
1988–1990	England U21	4	(0)
1991–1998	England B	4	(3)
1991–1998	England	21	(3)
Teams managed
2004–2006	Walsall
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Paul Charles Merson (born March 20, 1968) is an English former professional footballer, manager and current sports television pundit. As a player he played as a forward who later in his career dropped into the midfield playmaker position in a career that lasted from 1985 until 2006.

He notably played in the Premier League for Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, as well as appearing in the Football League for Brentford and Portsmouth. He also played for Walsall where he spent two years as player-manager before finishing his career in non-league football with Tamworth. He briefly came out of retirement in 2012 for Welshpool Town where he played in a one-off game. Merson earnt 21 caps for England, scoring 3 times.

Club career[link]

Arsenal[link]

Born in Harlesden, North West London, Paul Merson started his career at Arsenal, joining the club as an apprentice in 1984. After a loan spell at Brentford, then under manager Frank McLintock, he made his debut for the Gunners on 22 November 1986 against Manchester City, and gradually established himself in George Graham's successful Arsenal side of the late 1980s. By the 1988-89 season he was a regular on the right wing, at the end of which Arsenal secured the First Division title with a last gasp Michael Thomas goal in the final game of the season against Liverpool. Merson scored ten times that season, made his debut for the England U21 side, and was voted PFA Young Player of the Year.

With Arsenal, Merson bagged another league championship in 1991, both the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 (scoring equaliser in League Cup Final v Sheffield Wednesday) and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. He also made his debut for the full England side, in a friendly against Germany on 11 September 1991.

Paul Merson's career was put on the line in November 1994 when he admitted to being an alcoholic and cocaine addict.^[1] The Football Association arranged for Merson to undergo a three-month rehabilitation programme and he returned to the side in February 1995, just before the dismissal of George Graham as manager. Under caretaker manager Stewart Houston, Merson helped Arsenal reach the Cup Winners' Cup final for the second season in a row.

In 1995–96, Merson remained a regular first team player under Arsenal's new manager Bruce Rioch and continued to play regularly during the 1996–97 season following the appointment of Arsène Wenger. In a somewhat surprising move, at the end of the 1996–97 Premiership campaign, in which Arsenal finished third, Merson was sold to relegated Middlesbrough in a £5 million deal - making him the most expensive player ever signed by a non-Premiership club. Whilst Arsene Wenger had offered a new two year contract, Middlesbrough offered double the salary available at Arsenal. Merson played 423 times for Arsenal and scored 99 goals in all competitions.

Middlesbrough[link]

In the summer of 1998, Merson accused Middlesbrough of being a club with a drinking and gambling culture, insisting he needed to move away.^[2] He later refuted that claim. In the autumn of 1998, Paul Merson was sold to Aston Villa for £6.75 million after wishing to be nearer to his family in the South. Merson was a key player for Middlesbrough's promotion success as Division One runners-up in 1997–98.

Aston Villa[link]

He quickly established himself as a fans favourite due to his creative, flamboyant brand of football. He remained on the club's payroll for nearly five years, helping them reach the 2000 FA Cup Final, before he was finally given a free transfer at the end of the 2001–02 season.

Portsmouth[link]

Merson signed for Division One club Portsmouth on a two-year contract,^[3] and was instrumental in the club's promotion to the Premiership in 2002–03. Merson, however, felt that he was too old for a return to the Premiership, and wanted to move closer to his home in Sutton Coldfield. Following a possible move to West Brom which was later vetoed by then Manager Gary Megson, he was eventually snapped up by Division One side Walsall in summer 2003.^[4]

Walsall[link]

In February 2004, Merson admitted himself to the Sierra Tucson Clinic in Arizona to seek help for his gambling addiction under the advice and financial backing of the PFA, and missed several key games whilst Walsall slipped in the league from mid table mediocrity into the relegation zone. However, a couple of months after his return, Merson was quickly thrown into the manager's spot at Walsall following Colin Lee's sacking for allegedly having talks with Plymouth Argyle over a vacant manager's position there. Merson led a gallant bid to retain Division One status, but was hindered by a harsh last minute penalty against Crystal Palace, and eventually relegated after a 3–2 victory against Rotherham United whilst having to rely on Stoke City beating Gillingham F.C. on the final day. The following month, despite relegation, Merson was rewarded with the manager's job on a permanent basis.

The 2004–05 season proved to be a difficult season for Merson, on and off the field. Walsall went out of all cup competitions against lower league teams, and it was reported that Merson had had a rift with his wife, and had started drinking and gambling again, whilst the press reported on him inviting goalkeeper Mark Bosnich back into the game. Walsall slipped close to a second consecutive relegation. Merson responded by making several key signings on transfer deadline day; Julian Joachim, Andy Oakes, Anthony Gerrard (cousin of Steven Gerrard), Craig Pead and David Perpetuini. Merson's side went undefeated during May 2005, securing League One status for another year.

After a difficult first season in management, Merson's position at Walsall looked more secure as the club entered the 2005–06 season; however, he was unable to lift Walsall out of the relegation zone, and with the club in 19th place, he was sacked on 6 February 2006 after his Walsall side lost 5–0 to Brentford at Griffin Park. Despite a number of offers from clubs as high as the Championship, Merson opted to resume his playing career at part-time Conference club Tamworth, however this arrangement only lasted two games (with Merson playing only once) before he announced his retirement from professional football playing on 9 March 2006.^[5]

Whitton Athletic[link]

In February 2012, Merson came out of retirement to join Chiswick & District Sunday League side Whitton Athletic, he has currently played three games scoring once against Hanwell Utd ^[6] On 28 March, he made a one-off appearance for Mid Wales Football League side Welshpool Town, playing alongside fellow Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara against Newbridge-on-Wye. Merson scored the opening goal in the 4-1 defeat at the Maes y Dre Recreation Ground.^[7]

International career[link]

Euro 1992[link]

Merson first played for the England national team in 1991, being called up by Graham Taylor. He participated in the 1992 European Championships in Sweden. He played in the opening 0–0 draw with Denmark. England went out after another 0–0 draw against the French and a 2–1 loss to hosts Sweden.

1994 World Cup Qualifying[link]

Merson also played a part in the failed campaign to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He played in the opening game, a 1–1 home draw with Norway.^[8] He next played against the Netherlands as a substitute for Paul Gascoigne who was injured. England were leading 2–1, but crucially conceded a late penalty for a 2–2 draw.^[9] Merson also played in the 1993 U.S. Cup against Brazil and Germany, nearly scoring in a 2–1 defeat to the later, Bodo Illgner saving from a 20-yard shot. He returned for the critical and controversial 2–0 defeat against the Dutch in Rotterdam. Merson nearly equalised the opening Dutch goal, and hit the post with a free-kick.^[10]

England failed to qualify for the World Cup. Taylor's successor, Terry Venables, told Merson that he would not get into the team owing to his life style of heavy drinking. In his book, How Not to be a Professional Footballer, Merson refers to an incident in Chicago while on duty with England during the US Cup. After drinking he wandered off into the city on his own. Merson ended up in a dangerous area and was involved in trying to break up a fight while very drunk himself. When the combatants turned on Merson, he fled back to the hotel. The next morning the FBI came to the hotel and briefed the players on the dangers in the city. They expressed surprise that Merson was not injured in the incident.

1998 World Cup[link]

Merson held the distinction of being the only player in England's 1998 FIFA World Cup squad not to play for a top flight club. In that tournament, he played in England's famous second round match against Argentina, scoring in the penalty shootout, although England eventually lost.

1998 marked the end of Merson's international career after 21 full caps in seven years, in which he scored three times.

Media work[link]

In August, 2006 he also commenced a column for the official Arsenal FC magazine. He also continues to play for the England Legends, a 16-man squad of former internationals who have played Italy, Germany, Scotland, Ireland and the rest of the world. Merson has recently^[when?] become a regular on Star Sports Asia, covering Premier League matches, although his main job is on Sky Sports, where he is a match reporter and regular pundit for Gilette Soccer Saturday. Although outspoken on the show, Merson is most often wrong in his pre-match previews and predictions, which are posted as part of his column for the Sky Sports website. Merson also has commentated on Arabic channels, again covering the Premier League. These are all recorded in London, not abroad. Merson has also been a regular contributor to US Football show beyond the pitch (www.beyondthepitch.net).^{[citation needed]}

Career statistics[link]

^[11]

Honours[link]

Team[link]

Arsenal[link]

• First Division/Premier League
  • Winner (2): 1988-89, 1990-91,
• FA Cup
  • Winner (1): 1993
• Football League Cup
  • Winner (1): 1993
• Cup Winners' Cup
  • Winner (1): 1994
  • Runner-up (1): 1995
• UEFA Super Cup
  • Runner-up (1): 1994
• FA Community Shield
  • Winner (1): 1991 (shared)
  • Runner-up (2): 1989, 1993

Middlesbrough[link]

• Football League First Division
  • Runner-up (1): 1997–98
• Football League Cup
  • Runner-up (1): 1998

Aston Villa[link]

• FA Cup
  • Runner-up (1): 2000
• UEFA Intertoto Cup
  • Winner (1): 2001

Portsmouth[link]

Football League First Division

• Winner (1): 2002–03

Individual[link]

• PFA Young Player of the Year: 1989
• Premier League Player of the Month: February 2000
• PFA Team of the Year Division One: 2002–03

Personal life[link]

Merson is a supporter of Chelsea^{[citation needed]}. Merson has been married twice (to Lorainne and Louise), and has five children. His first marriage crumbled under his recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism.^[12]

In March 2006, he was photographed by the Daily Mirror drunk at the Boujis nightclub in South Kensington. In June 2006, Merson was accused of rape after a night at a flat owned by the Sloane Club in Chelsea, West London.^[13] But it was found that although he had been at the flat, he had been in another room with another woman.^[14]

In October 2011, Merson was involved in a car crash with a lorry on the M40 near Warwick, UK and arrested for drink-driving. ^[15]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Paul Merson career stats at Soccerbase
• Paul Merson management career stats at Soccerbase
• Paul Merson at the Internet Movie Database
• Paul Merson at National-Football-Teams.com
• Profile at sporting-heroes.net

v t e England squad – UEFA Euro 1992 1 Woods 2 Curle 3 Pearce 4 Keown 5 Walker 6 Wright 7 Platt 8 Steven 9 Clough 10 Lineker (c) 11 Sinton 12 Palmer 13 Martyn 14 Dorigo 15 Webb 16 Merson 17 Smith 18 Daley 19 Batty 20 Shearer Coach: Taylor

v t e England squad – 1998 FIFA World Cup 1 Seaman 2 Campbell 3 Le Saux 4 Ince 5 Adams 6 Southgate 7 Beckham 8 Batty 9 Shearer (c) 10 Sheringham 11 McManaman 12 Neville 13 Martyn 14 Anderton 15 Merson 16 Scholes 17 Lee 18 Keown 19 L. Ferdinand 20 Owen 21 R. Ferdinand 22 Flowers Coach: Hoddle

Nonito Donaire
Donaire in 2010
Statistics
Real name	Nonito Donaire, Jr.
Nickname(s)	The Filipino Flash
Rated at	Flyweight Super Flyweight Bantamweight Super Bantamweight
Height	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Reach	68 in (173 cm)
Nationality	Filipino American
Born	(1982-11-16) November 16, 1982 (age 29) Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	29
Wins	28
Wins by KO	18
Losses	1
Draws	0

Nonito Donaire, Jr. (born November 16, 1982) is a Filipino American^[1] professional boxer. Known as "The Filipino Flash," Donaire is a four-division world champion and the reigning WBO Super Bantamweight Champion. He is also the former WBC and WBO Bantamweight, Interim WBA Super Flyweight and IBF Flyweight Champion.

He is a known switch-hitter with the ability to fight either southpaw or orthodox.^[2][3] His surname is often mispronounced as do-nayr but it's properly pronounced as do-nigh-reh.

Donaire is currently rated by The Ring as the number four pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Personal life[link]

Nonito Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines to Filipino parents, Nonito Sr. and Imelda Donaire. He is the third among four siblings: Glenn, Rosiel and Ermie.^[4] Back then, there was no electricity in Bohol.^[5] He grew up in General Santos City, South Cotabato, where he lived until age six^[5] and went to the same school as boxing icon eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.^[6] His father, a second year high school dropout, was in the Philippine Army for eight years and fought as an amateur before trying his luck alone in the US in 1990. In 1993, at the age of eleven, he had joined his father in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California and they lived in San Leandro.^[4][7] He later moved to San Mateo in the Bay Area.^[8]

In childhood, Donaire was a frail, asthmatic and wimpy kid who got bullied in school and went back home crying.^[7][9][10] He was picked on for three years, until a little after he migrated to San Leandro.^[11] At home, he felt no attention has been paid to him, as a middle child. He wanted to be recognised by his parents, especially his father.^{[* 1]} As soon as his brother started boxing, ten year old Nonito craved the respect and recognition the brother got from it,^[5] and started it.^[12] His father took him to a boxing gym at age eleven to get him off the streets.^[11] In his first amateur bout as a kid, he beat the opponent with his straight punches, all the while just thinking that "I’m going to kill him before he kills me."^[12] However, he had had no confidence until he earned four or five knockout victories in the professional bouts.^[11]

During their younger years, Donaire and his older brother Glenn would spar, with the younger brother being beaten often. As a kid, Donaire watched videos of his hero Alexis Argüello, using them to learn how to throw his powerful left hook.^[6] While in San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, California the brothers won an assortment of regional and district amateur boxing championships.^[4] His cousin, Richard Donaire, is also a professional boxer.^[13]

Donaire is married to Rachel Marcial, a Filipino-American USA National Collegiate and Military Taekwando Champion.^[14][15] They were married on August 8, 2008 in a private ceremony in Carmel, California, with all their close relatives.^[16] Subsequently, they had a church wedding in the Philippines on November 11, 2011 (11/11/11).^[7]

Donaire's wife is a pivotal member of his team,^[10][17] with her father acting as his chief security.^[7] His parents-in-law, Gerry and Rebecca Marcial, are the leading members of his support group.^[7] Donaire wants to be with people who are there for him even if he has nothing and likes to please them above all. During his early career, he had hated boxing. Due to excessive pressure, he had not only never enjoyed boxing, but had even dreaded it every day.^{[5][11][12][18]} Nevertheless, he did stick with it because he did not want to disappoint his father. Currently, he always fights for such people who support him and believe in him, and finally for himself, so he loves and enjoys boxing.^[5][12]

Amateur career[link]

As a young American amateur, Donaire won three national championships: the National Silver Gloves in 1998, National Junior Olympics in 1999 and the National USA Tournament in 2000. He also won the International Junior Olympics in 1999.^[19] Donaire's amateur record was 68–8 with 5 TKOs.

Professional career[link]

Donaire turned professional with his brother in 2001. They signed up with promoter Jackie Kallen, who paid the boys a monthly salary of $1,500 each. When Donaire lost his second fight in 2001, via a dodgy decision, he tasted the intense feeling that he did not want to see the sorrow, sadness or pity in people's faces. Since then, he has continued a winning streak for over ten years.^[5] After four pro bouts, Donaire and his brother Glenn left Kallen and returned to Manila with their father. Initially mulling restarting their boxing careers in the Philippines, they decided to go back to the better facilities in San Leandro, where their father felt there were fewer distractions.^[4]

Early years as professional boxer[link]

Donaire won his first regional title in flyweight division by defeating Kaichon Sor Vorapin for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight title in Guam on 9 September 2002. Donaire knocked out the future world title challenger in the second round.

Donaire won his second regional title, the NABF Super Flyweight title, by defeating Kahren Harutyunyan on Shobox by split decision on January 20, 2006. The scores were 97–92, 97–92 for Donaire and 95–94 for Harutyunan.^[20]

On October 7, 2006, Donaire outpointed veteran Oscar Andrade by the scores of 118–109, 116–112, and 116–112. His older brother, Glenn Donaire, fought and lost to Vic Darchinyan on the same night.

Flyweight division[link]

A 7–1 underdog, Donaire won the IBF Flyweight title with a one-punch, fifth round knockout of the then-undefeated Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007.^[21] This victory was awarded Ring Magazine's "Knockout of the Year" and "Upset of the Year" on December 23, 2007.^[22][23][24] On July 31, 2007, Donaire met Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo along with Florante Condes, who won the IBF Minimumweight title on the same weekend as Donaire. Donaire said the experience was, "An overwhelming feeling. It was indescribable. The moment I walked up the stairs and she was up there and when I looked it was a moment when I couldn’t even look at her face. It was a great honor."^[25]

Nonito Donaire with his IBF and IBO Flyweight belts in 2007.

On December 1, 2007, Donaire made the first defense of his IBF title against Luis Maldonado of Mexico by technical knockout in the 8th round. Donaire stated: "I guess my validation was today but I didn't feel my best; I felt sluggish. I didn't have my legs. I don't know what the problem was. I couldn't move well so I tried to rely on my upper body movement."^[26]

In late June 2008, Donaire severed ties with promoter Gary Shaw because the number of fights had not matched the number stated in the contract and Shaw had failed to properly disclose revenue from previous fights as stated under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.^[27] Days after leaving Gary Shaw Productions, he would sign with Top Rank Boxing.^[28]

Donaire, on November 2, 2008, retained his IBF Flyweight title via a 6th-round (1:31) technical knockout of Moruti Mthalane.^[29][30][31] During sparring for that fight, Donaire had an asthma attack. He could not carry through twelve rounds as his father ordered. While his father did not notice the reason and tried to force it to him, he left the gym to go to a hospital. He had a slight symptoms of bronchitis, and was diagnosed with recurrence of asthma.^{[8][* 2]} After the Mthalane fight, he became estranged from his father.^[5]

On April 19, 2009, Donaire faced flyweight Raul Martinez for his third defense of his IBF Flyweight title at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. Donaire scored the TKO after 2:42 into the 4th round.^[33] Donaire has been trained by the Peñalosa brothers (Gerry, Dodie Boy and Jonathan) since the training camp for the match against Martinez. Because of his victory over Martinez, Donaire was included for the first time in the Ring Magazine pound for pound rankings, in the 7th spot.^[34]

Super Flyweight division[link]

The IBF ordered a mandatory rematch between Donaire and previous challenger Moruti Mthalane by August 1, 2009. However, Donaire's agent has expressed interest in moving up to the junior bantamweight/super flyweight division at 115 pounds.^[35] Initially, Donaire was set to face Hugo Fidel Cazares on August 15, but talks for the bout had fallen through 2009.^[36] Rafael Concepción of Panama then replaced Cazares as Donaire's opponent for the Interim WBA Super Flyweight title, which headlined the card titled "Pinoy Power 2."^[37] Donaire added conditioning coach Mike Bazzel to supplement Dodie Boy and Jonathan Peñalosa in their camp at the Undisputed Boxing Gym in San Carlos, a Bay Area suburb near San Mateo. He dedicated his fight against Concepcion in memory of late Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino where he requested Everlast, a boxing equipment company, to provide a yellow robe with the inscription “I. M. O. (in memory of) former Pres. Cory Aquino.”^[8] Because Concepcion failed to weigh within the super flyweight limit (115 lbs.), only Donaire, who made weight successfully, can win the title. Donaire won the bout via unanimous decision. Two days after the win over Concepcion, he arrived to a rousing welcome in Manila, where he was feted in a motorcade by Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Donaire's trainer was switched from his father to Roberto García Cortez in late 2009.^[38] Donaire does not want to be rude to Garcia by not training hard. So, even when he is not with Garcia, Donaire is working to the limit.^[39]

On February 13, 2010, Donaire faced Manuel "Chango" Vargas for his first defense of the Interim WBA Super Flyweight title at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. The latter was only a late replacement to Gerson Guerrero, who did not pass eye examinations and was forced to pull out. Vargas took the fight on less than 3 days short notice and had to move up 3 weight divisions. The bout headlined the card titled "Pinoy Power 3." Donaire won the fight via a 3rd-round (1:33) knockout and successfully retained his title.^[40]

After the fight Donaire expressed his interest in fighting Vic Darchinyan, for a rematch, or Fernando Montiel, both boxing champions, as he plans to move up to the bantamweight division.^[41]

According to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, Donaire would have faced the reigning WBC and WBA Super Flyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan on August 21, 2010 at the Home Depot in California.^[42] After weeks of uncertainty regarding the Donaire-Darchinyan rematch, Arum said the fight was done.^[43] However, the deal fell apart on May 5, 2010, so the bout was called off.^[44]

Donaire is also looking for a fight with WBO Bantamweight Champion Fernando Montiel of Mexico.^[45] However, Donaire stated that he is looking forward to a regular world title match in super flyweight division first before taking on Montiel.^[46]

Following this events, Bob Arum announced that Donaire would fight in the undercard of Juan Manuel López and Bernabe Concepcion bout on July 10, 2010 at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Opponent for this fight was expected to be announced in the coming days.^[47] Donaire challenged Puerto Rican boxer Eric Morel, but the latter turned the offer down.^[48] As a result, Donaire planned a bantamweight move, as he did not find any available opponent in the super flyweight division; at first he refused to fight Hernan "Tyson" Marquez, who was coming from a lopsided loss against Richie Mepranum. The Donaire-Marquez bout took place in the super flyweight division. Donaire won the match by TKO in the eight round.^[3][49] The bout was supposed to be his last fight in the super flyweight division.

Bantamweight[link]

Donaire with his WBO and WBC Bantamweight belts slung over his shoulders, at his public workout at Gleason's Gym, in October 2011.

Following his win against Marquez, Donaire stated his intention to compete in the bantamweight division (118 pounds) to challenge WBO and WBC Champion Fernando Montiel.^[50][51]

On December 4, 2010, Donaire challenged former WBA Bantamweight Champion Wladimir Sidorenko for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight title. Donaire knocked down Sidorenko thrice and became the first man to stop Sidorenko.^[52]

The win against Sidorenko gave Donaire the chance to face Mexican Fernando Montiel.

On February 19, 2011, Donaire stopped Fernando Montiel in the second round to take the WBC and WBO Bantamweight titles.^[53] Donaire took a right to the head from the Montiel, then immediately countered with a devastating left to the head that sent Montiel crumpling to the canvas. Montiel rose to continue and Donaire rushed over to land a left and a right before referee Russell Mora stopped the fight after two minutes and 25 seconds of the second round.^[54] With the victory, Donaire became the second Filipino and third Asian to become a three-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in three different weight divisions.^[55][56]

On February 28, 2011, the Philippine Senate formally adopted two Senate Resolutions filed by Senators Pia Cayetano and Manuel Lapid congratulating and commending Donaire for being an outstanding Filipino boxer and for bringing honor and pride to the country.^[57]

On October 22, 2011, Donaire made his New York debut by beating previously undefeated two-division world champion Omar "El Huracán" Narvaez at Madison Square Garden in New York. Donaire dominated the fight against an obviously outmatched Narvaez but did not get the knockout he sought.

Super Bantamweight[link]

After the fight between WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Toshiaki Nishioka and Rafael Márquez, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum stated that he had an agreement for the winner of the Nishioka-Marquez title fight to face Nonito Donaire, who wants to move up to super bantamweight after his WBC and WBO Bantamweight title fight with Omar Andres Narvaez. However, in an interview after Nishioka won, Arum said that the planned Donaire-Nishioka fight will not happen as earlier planned for mid-January and that "probably Nishioka won't fight Donaire until May or June (2012) because he wants to take a rest." Instead, Arum raised the possibility of Donaire fighting WBO Super Bantamweight Champion Jorge Arce.^[58]

Donaire vs. Vázquez Jr.[link]

After twelve rounds, scores of 117–110 twice were read in Donaire’s favor as the third judge had a surprising 115–112 for Vázquez Jr. He won via split decision to capture the WBO Super Bantamweight title, even though Donaire connected 60 percent of his power shots, outlanded Vázquez in eleven rounds except for the sixth round and knocked him down in the ninth round.^[59] That makes him the second Asian (only other than Manny Pacquiao) to win championships in four different divisions. Donaire fights have been broadcast on HBO since 2011. He reportedly earned 725 thousand dollars from Narvaez fight and a million dollars from Vázquez fight.^{[7][* 3]}

Professional boxing record[link]

28 Wins (18 knockouts, 10 decisions), 1 Loss (by decision), 0 Draws[60]
Res.	Record	Opponent	Type	Rd., Time	Date	Location	Notes
N/A	28–1	Jeffrey Mathebula	-	? (12)	2012-06-30	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Defending WBO Super Bantamweight title. For IBF Super Bantamweight title.
Win	28–1	Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr.	SD	12 (12)	2012-02-04	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, United States	Won vacant WBO Super Bantamweight title.
Win	27–1	Omar Andres Narvaez	UD	12 (12)	2011-10-22	Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, United States	Retained WBC & WBO Bantamweight titles.
Win	26–1	Fernando Montiel	TKO	2 (12)	2011-02-19	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Won WBC & WBO Bantamweight titles.
Win	25–1	Wladimir Sidorenko	KO	4 (12)	2010-12-04	Honda Center, Anaheim, California, United States	Won vacant WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight title.
Win	24–1	Hernan Marquez	TKO	8 (12)	2010-07-10	José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico	Retained Interim WBA Super Flyweight title.
Win	23–1	Manuel Vargas	KO	3 (12)	2010-02-13	Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, United States	Retained Interim WBA Super Flyweight title.
Win	22–1	Rafael Concepcion	UD	12 (12)	2009-08-15	Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Won Interim WBA Super Flyweight title.
Win	21–1	Raúl Martínez	TKO	4 (12)	2009-04-19	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines	Retained IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	20–1	Moruti Mthalane	TKO	6 (12)	2008-11-01	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Retained IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	19–1	Luis Maldonado	TKO	8 (12)	2007-12-01	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, United States	Retained IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	18–1	Vic Darchinyan	TKO	5 (12)	2007-07-07	Harbour Yard Arena, Bridgeport, United States	Won IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	17–1	Kevin Hudgins	TKO	1 (8)	2007-05-12	Reno Events Center, Reno, United States
Win	16–1	Oscar Andrade	UD	12 (12)	2006-10-07	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Retained NABF Super Flyweight title.
Win	15–1	Jose Luis Cardenas	TKO	2 (8)	2006-07-29	Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, United States
Win	14–1	Kahren Harutyunyan	SD	10 (10)	2006-01-20	Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, United States	Won NABF Super Flyweight title.
Win	13–1	Ilido Julio	UD	8 (8)	2005-11-05	Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, United States
Win	12–1	Daniel Gonzalez	KO	1 (8)	2005-10-01	Reno Events Center, Reno, United States
Win	11–1	Larry Olvera	UD	6 (6)	2005-07-02	Reno Events Center, Reno, United States
Win	10–1	Paulino Villalobos	TKO	6 (8)	2005-05-13	Civic Arena, San Jose, United States
Win	9–1	Gilberto Bolanos	UD	8 (8)	2004-11-12	Quiet Cannon, Montebello, United States
Win	8–1	Ricardo Barreras	TKO	4 (6)	2004-06-18	Quiet Cannon, Montebello, United States
Win	7–1	Jorge Lopez	TKO	1 (6)	2003-06-27	Mare Island Sports Center, Vallejo, United States
Win	6–1	Mark Sales	TKO	5 (12)	2002-11-02	Joe Cantada Boxing Arena, Taguig City, Philippines
Win	5–1	Kaichon Sor Vorapin	KO	2 (12)	2002-09-01	University of Guam, Agana, Guam	Won vacant WBO Asia Pacific Super Flyweight title.
Win	4–1	Noel Alma	KO	1 (?)	2002-05-31	Elorde Sports Complex, Parañaque City, Philippines
Win	3–1	Jose Luis Torres	TKO	1 (4)	2001-07-03	Hyatt Regency Hotel, Monterey, United States
Win	2–1	Saul Santoyo	UD	4 (4)	2001-06-08	Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, United States
Loss	1–1	Rosendo Sanchez	UD	5 (5)	2001-03-10	Pacific Sports Center, Vallejo, United States
Win	1–0	Jose Lazaro	KO	1 (4)	2001-02-22	Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, United States

Titles in boxing[link]

Amateur career[link]

National:

• 1998 National Silver Gloves Champion
• 1999 National Jr. Olympics Champion
• 2000 National USA Tournament Champion

International:

• 1999 International Jr. Olympics Champion

Professional career[link]

Major World Titles:

• IBF Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• Interim WBA Super Flyweight Champion (115 lbs)
• WBO Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)
• WBC Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)
• WBO Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)

Minor World Titles:

• IBO Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)

Regional/International Titles:

• WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• NABF Super Flyweight Champion (115 lbs)
• WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)

In popular culture[link]

Donaire had TV guest appearances and joined the third season of Celebrity Duets episodes on GMA.^[4]

Donaire is also featured in the videogame Fight Night Round 4.^[61]

Recognitions[link]

• 2007 & 2011 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Sportsman of the Year^[62]
• 2007 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 5 against Vic Darchinyan)
• 2007 The Ring Upset of the Year (5th Round Knockout against Vic Darchinyan)
• 2007 World Boxing Hall of Fame Most Outstanding Boxer of the Year
• 2009, 2010 & 2011 Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Memorial Boxer of the Year
• 2011 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Fernando Montiel)
• 2011 Sports Illustrated Knockout of the Year^[63]
• 2011 ESPN Knockout of the Year^[64]

See also[link]

• List of current world boxing champions
• List of Filipino boxing world champions
• List of WBA world champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of IBF world champions
• List of WBO world champions
• List of IBO world champions
• List of flyweight boxing champions
• List of super flyweight boxing champions
• List of bantamweight boxing champions
• List of boxing triple champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions
• The Ring pound for pound

Notes[link]

References[link]

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