WBA Boxing Belt for the Aquino Family

In commemoration to Ninoy Aquino's death anniversary and in respect to the Aquino family, Nonito Donaire, offered his World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight belt to the family of former Pres. Cory Aquino. To show respect for the late former President Corazon Aquino, boxing champ Nonito Donaire handed over to the Aquino family on Friday his World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight belt.

Donaire gave his belt to Mrs. Aquino's eldest child Ballsy Aquino-Cruz after attending the Mass for the democracy icon and her husband Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. -- whose death on Aug. 21, 1983 is being commemorated -- at the Don Bosco Church in Makati City.

"It's my small way of giving honor to Cory and Ninoy. They are like my mother and father," the boxing champ said.

Ballsy's son Jiggy Aquino-Cruz told Donaire in response: "A lot of people do not know it, but Cory means heart. So thank you for giving your heart and soul to your fight. We were told you are the embodiment of a family man...Thank you for personifying that."

Aside from his boxing belt, Donaire also offered to Jiggy the yellow boxing shorts he used in his Las Vegas fight with the word "Aquino" sewn on its waist. Mrs. Aquino's other grandson, Miguel, accepted the yellow robe that Donaire used.

The Aquino family said Donaire's gifts will be displayed at the Aquino Center Museum in Tarlac. In return, the Aquinos handed Cory memorabilia to Donaire and his wife Rachel.

Mrs. Aquino passed away last August 1 after more than a year-long battle with colon cancer.