World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim World Super Flyweight Champion Nonito Donaire Jr. admitted in a recent interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that he sees only three percent of the purse money he earns from boxing.

The rest of the amount, according to wife Rachel, goes straight to their savings.

"May allowance lang ako from my wife," smiled Nonito.

The Donaires have long been prudent with their finances. Even Nonito's growing fame did nothing to alter the couple's modest lifestyle.

Rachel cited the uncertainty of her husband's profession, as well as   the perils that go with the brutal sport, as the main reason they're extra-cautious not to get overwhelmed by their change of fortune.

"Anything can happen in the ring," said Rachel, citing the unfortunate fate of promising Filipino boxer Z Gorres. "We also want to establish our future. So, most of the time he only sees a few percent of it and the rest goes to the bank to make sure that our kids will be okay.... If anything happens, there's security."

TWO PEAS IN A POD. Many admire the closeness of Nonito and Rachel. But some people label Rachel as a "stage wife" for always being around at functions attended by her champion husband.

Rachel is not affected by all the negative talk.

"We're very open with each other and even when he's training, he doesn't ever want me to leave him. Even if I go out shopping or something like that, he wants me to stay with him. So, even if it's helping him with his laundry or giving him water at training or scheduling his appointments for interviews, parang, like, we're involved in each other's life. We're always there for each other," explained Rachel.

Being together at all times would also limit intrigues, she says. "One of the things that we believed in at the beginning of our relationship is to stop intriga. You have to make sure that you don't put yourself in a situation that makes it look intriga, di ba? So, best part of the reason why he always has me around is so that they can't go, 'Oh, he was with this other girl.' There's no room for questions. Like me, I'm not gonna go have lunch with another man because that disrespects the relationship, even if I trust him."

Rachel believes that her husband will never do anything that could  harm their marriage.

"The funny thing is, I dare him," continued Rachel. "Kasi the closeness that we have is, parang if you can find someone better, go ahead then. Kasi I honestly believe that I've done everything I can to give him the love that he fully needs. Now if he feels that our relationship is lacking, then it wasn't meant to be."