MANILA—A legal battle simmers between the latest Filipino boxing star Nonito Donaire and his fight promoter Top Rank Promotions.
Donaire remained tight-lipped yesterday on talks that he is seeking release from Top Rank chief Bob Arum to join premier rival Golden Boy Promotions of Oscar De La Hoya.
“My lawyer, siya ang nag-aasikaso (My lawyer is ironing it out),” Donaire, the newly crowned WBC/WBO bantamweight champion, said in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue in Manila.
“As of now, I don’t know. Maybe we’ll find out in a few days when we go back to the States. We’ve been very busy. Right now we’ve not been in contact [with any promotional outfit].”
Boxing reports circulating the past weeks said Donaire’s manager, Cameron Dunkin, and Jerry Bailey, the former head of the Nevada Boxing Commission, have been representing “The Filipino Flash” over deals on his promotional rights.
“[Golden Boy] never really approached us, it’s unprofessional for them to do so,” Donaire’s wife, Rachel, said in the weekly session. “It’s only based on the fact that his manager has fighters with Golden Boy as well.”
But the couple hinted that Top Rank had reneged on the contract both parties signed on June 26, 2008.
“The contract was for three years, [stipulating] three fights a year,” said Rachel. “The contract ends if the contract isn’t fulfilled.”
But Arum, in a separate interview with a local reporter yesterday, said the agreement remains binding.
“The contract is very much in place,” said Arum. “I hope they come to their senses.”
In a previous report, Arum said the contract is set to expire on June 28, but noted a clause that says the promoter has “sole discretion” for a “12-month extension.”
Arum also counts Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as his top client.
Donaire, whose stocks soared recently after his sensational second-round knockout of Mexican Fernando Montiel, said his focus remains on a possible May 28 fight.
“The goal is to be the undisputed champion,” said Donaire. “I want to compete against a titleholder. Any fighter who will give me the opportunity to be undisputed, stay in line.”
Donaire said he’s set to resume his training in the US by the end of the month even if talks of a possible bout against WBA king Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno of Panama might have fizzled.
“What I heard is he doesn’t want to compete against me,” said Donaire. “But if there’s no bantamweight who’ll compete against me, there’s a possibility of moving up. I’ll fight anyone, that’s my motto right now.”
Jasmine Payo, Phil. Daily Inquirer
