Filipino boxing correspondent and veteran sportswriter Ronnie Nathanielsz gone at 81

Boxing correspondent and veteran sportswriter Ronnie Nathanielsz gone at the age of 81. Ronnie was in ICU (intensive care) in Burlingame, California  at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center for a heart attack. He was at the hospital since November 3rd while heading to the Manny Pacquiao vs Jessie Vargas for November 5th to commentate it on fight night. Ronnie was born in Sri Lanka (South Asia) but moved to the Philippines in 1962. In 1973  he became a naturalized Philippine citizen  from former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos. Nathanielsz commentated a Philippine boxing program called “Blow by Blow” especially immortalizing backing soundtrack to Manny Pacquiao’s early fights. He kept a library of Filipino boxing matches especially few videos of Elorde who is a long time friend.

I remember back in 2012 when Nonito Donaire was facing Nishioka I spoke to Ronnie on who can be the next star for boxing. I told him what about Jose Benavidez? He said Jose has long ways to go so it is way to early. Then I ask him what about Adrien Broner? His response was Broner has to fight elite fighters and from there we will see. I will sure miss that moment when I spoke briefly to him about that. My condolences goes out to him, his family, his friends, his co workers that work with him and the fighters he commentate as well as build relationships with.