HE may have lost out to Carl Frampton at the weekend, but that didn't stop Nonito Donaire celebrating as the professional boxer met fans for a farewell pint in a Belfast pub.
Posting a photo of himself on Twitter wearing a novelty leprechaun hat, the 'Filipino Flash' invited people to meet him at the Crown Bar yesterday for a "proper goodbye".
The former four-weight world champion was beaten at the SSE Arena on Saturday night by Frampton who secured the WBO interim featherweight belt with an assured points win.
Donaire (35) later tweeted: "Hey Belfast! It's been an amazing trip. Thank you for your love and support. Before I leave, I'd love to meet you all for a proper goodbye. Meet me at Crown Bar tonight about 8ish!"
Hey Belfast! It's been an amazing trip. Thank you for your love and support. Before I leave, I'd love to meet you all for a proper goodbye. Meet me at Crown Bar tonight about 8ish! pic.twitter.com/fei4J1Qhrd
— Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) April 22, 2018
Showing his appreciation of his boxing rival, 31-year-old Frampton replied: "What a guy!"
Wearing sunglasses and a flat cap, Donaire was greeted with applause and cheers as he arrived at the Crown Bar.
.@Knockout_Queen & @filipinoflash last night here but say they will never forget Belfast and they’ll be back! #FramptonDonaire pic.twitter.com/QnrzPlHEc1
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 22, 2018
He happily posed for photos and signed autographs for fans – and even had a go at pulling a pint of Guinness.
Belfast boxer Frampton is hopeful his weekend win means a world title fight will be held this summer at Windsor Park.
His victory means he is now the mandatory challenger for WBO title holder Oscar Valdez, although he could also face the winner of next month's IBF title fight between Lee Selby and Josh Warrington.
Never in doubt
— Boxing on BT Sport (@BTSportBoxing) April 21, 2018
Carl Frampton is declared the winner over Nonito Donaire.
A professional display pic.twitter.com/eAORmDKy3u