In the DC Comics universe, the Flash is known to play second fiddle to Superman, the acknowledged leader of the Justice League. You can even say he is way below in the hierarchy of leadership, after Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Green Arrow.

Perhaps even after Wonder Woman. The Flash is the kid on the team, the reckless one who always ends up bungling a mission.

In the world of pro boxing, particularly Philippine boxing, the “Flash” is known to play second fiddle to “Superman”, err, “Pacman.” In the last five years, or since he first became a world champion by knocking out Vic Darchinyan for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. has been strapped on the backseat, reduced to a breathing witness to Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s unbelievable exploits in the squared circle.

However, in a span of one week this December, the status quo took a complete and drastic turnaround. On December 9 (Manila time), the mighty Pacquiao fell in six rounds to Lex Luthor, err, Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. With the greatest hero in Philippine boxing out of commission, “The Filipino Flash” found himself pushed into the uncanny role of avenger.

What was supposed to be just a routine defense of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title (122 pounds) became a must-win situation for Donaire. With Philippine boxing reeling from the unbelievable downfall of Pacquiao, fight fans looked for Donaire to save the sport from total ignominy.

Consequently, when Donaire stepped into the ring against the Mexican Jorge Arce exactly a week after Pacquiao-Marquez IV, he carried with him the prayers and hopes of a boxing-crazy nation. To his credit, Donaire did not disappoint, bamboozling Arce in three rounds. Donaire pitched a shutout, flooring Arce as early as the second round with a short right to the temple.

In the third stanza, a right hand from Donaire floored Arce for the second time. Arce was noticeably on wobbly legs when he got up, and Donaire did not waste any time in flattening the Mexican for good with a vicious left hook.

Donaire registered the knockout victory at the 2:59 mark of the third round, the exact time Pacquiao fell, albeit in the sixth round. “There were a lot of fans that said, you got to get him, this is for the Philippines,” said Donaire in the post-fight conference. “But I love Mexico as well. Mexican fighters are tough and I have the best respect for all of them. I’m hoping (my countrymen) can be proud of what I’ve done.”

Donaire improved his record to 31-1 with 20 knockouts. The victory over Arce, however, is unlike any other he has posted. With Pacquiao in forced hibernation and his entire career arguably in limbo, Donaire now finds himself the leader of Philippine boxing.

You can say Donaire has been groomed for this role. He has been undefeated in his last 30 fights, his only loss taking place in 2001 against Californian Rosendo Sanchez. Donaire has won titles in four weight divisions (flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight) and is likely to pocket more down the road. Going 4-0 this year against fighters who were either former or incumbent champions, Donaire is the favorite to collar the Fighter of the Year award from the sport’s prestigious award-giving bodies.

Donaire bankrolled a career-high $1 million for the Arce fight. Bigger paydays loom next year as Donaire plots his next move. At least two opponents are being eyed for Donaire: World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight champion Abner Mares of Mexico and World Boxing Association (WBA) counterpart Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba. Mares, 25-0 with 13 knockouts, is a two-division champion and is the most marketable opponent for Donaire owing to his skills and Mexican bloodline. Rigondeaux, 11-0 with 8 knockouts, is a two-time (2004, 2008) Olympic gold medalist who figured in over 400 fights as an amateur before belatedly turning pro. The Cuban has the inside track because like Donaire he fights under Top Rank Promotions.

“Bring ‘em all on,” barked Donaire. “I’ve done what I need to do this year.”

Donaire, as can be discerned, has never looked more eager to climb the ring again. The “Filipino Flash” is fully cognizant of the responsibility that has been entrusted to him and arguably cannot wait to prove himself worthy of such trust.     

* * *

For comments, the writer can be reached at atty_eduardo@ yahoo.com.