SPORTS patron Jonathan “Atan” L. Guardo is upbeat on Nonito Donaire’s tie-up with big time US promotional outfit Top Rank of Bob Arum and hopes that the reigning IBF/IBO flyweight champion could fight soon so as not to prolong his inactivity that spanned for eight months now.
“I’m happy that Nonito Donaire signed up with Bob Arum. We know for the fact that Top Rank is a highly respected institution in boxing. And with Arum’s wealth of experience in boxing promotion, there’s no doubt he can direct Donaire to the right career path,” said the two-time Sportsman of the Year awardee of the Sportswriters Association of Cebu.
The 25-year-old Donaire has a six-fight contract with Guardo’s Uniherb Philippines as official endorser of the popular food supplement Arthro Kontra Arthritis.
Guardo, who once served as Cebu City Sports Commission chairman, is hoping that Donaire could see action in the ring anytime soon.
“It’s been a long time that he hasn’t fought but I’m confident that Top Rank will take care of that,” said Guardo.
Donaire (19-0, 12KOs) snatched the IBF and IBO 112-pound belts via an earth-shaking fifth round knockout of the of the previously undefeated Australian KO artist Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007. But Donaire hasn’t fought since stopping Luis Maldonado in round seven on December 2 last year in Connecticut.
For now, Arum is booking Donaire for a September ring date against a still undetermined opponent in Mexico. After that, Top Rank plans to stage a battle between Donaire and former world champion Jorge Arce. (PR)
