Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Could Make His First Million In 2011

Filipino-American bantamweight king Nonito Donaire may be on his way to making his first million dollar purse within the year.

Judging from his incredible performance against highly rated Mexican champion Fernando Montiel and his soaring popularity over the Internet and in print media, there is little doubt he will command a large sum on his next fight.

Will Donaire make his first million dollar this year? The answer to this million dollar question really depends on Bob Arum, his promoter, and his choice of opponent. It also has a lot to do with his crowd-drawing capability and his initial demand on the pay-per-view market.

Donaire made $350,000.00 on his recent fight with Montiel, a very small amount for the kind of performance he has demonstrated to a crowd of around 5,000 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino last February 19.

The amount is really small if taxes, trainer's share and other overhead expenses are deducted from the purse. But the "Filipino Flash" seems happy as he decided to buy a gallon of ice cream after the fight to treat himself after a scintillating performance inside the ring.

Despite the relatively small amount he got, Donaire said he is still thankful for the exposure the fight has given him.

"It's just a blessing that people came to watch me. So maybe in the future we can already demand a bigger purse" Donaire said.

Donaire also said he and his wife will save the money for the rainy days because he can’t remain a boxer all his life.

Like Manny Pacquiao, his number one boxing idol, Donaire also has his share of childhood struggles when as a child he tried selling ice candy to earn some money. It was hard back then, Donaire said.

With his convincing win over Fernando Montiel, Donaire has been elevated from No.5 to No.3 in Ring's pound-for-pound ranking.

There is a good chance Donaire will move up to No.2 next to Manny Pacquiao who is the current pound-for-pound king—that is if Sergio Martinez loses to undefeated Serhiy Dizinziruk of Ukraine on March 12 and if Floyd Mayweather continues to be inactive for the rest of the year.

Among Donaire's next possible opponents include bantamweights Anselmo Moreno of Panama, Joseph Adbeko of Ghana, Abner Mares of Mexico and and Yonnhy Perez of Colombia, among others.

With his current rating as No.3 in the Ring Magazine's pound-for-pound ranking and being the holder of the WBC/WBO Bantamweight Championship crown, there is little doubt Donaire will emerge as the new boxing millionaire in 2011.