MANILA, Philippines - Guillermo Rigondeaux, the reigning WBO and WBA super-bantamweight champion, is open to a rematch with Nonito Donaire Jr.
The two-time Olympic champion from Cuba has even set the time and place.
“I am the king at 122. If Nonito wants it, we can meet in Miami in March 2014,†Rigondeaux told www.boxingscene.com yesterday.
He took the titles from Donaire with a unanimous decision last April at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.
It was Donaire’s first loss in 12 years, a long span where he went undefeated in 30 fights.
The 30-year-old Filipino wants revenge.
Donaire knocked out old foe Vic Darchinyan in Corpus Christi, Texas the other day then immediately sought a rematch with Rigondeaux.
Donaire was trailing in two of the three scorecards when he caught Darchinyan with a left hook. He did not waste time finishing the Armenian off.
Darchinyan also went down and kissed the canvas the first time he fought Donaire in 2007.
Rigondeaux, born in Santiago de Cuba but now a resident of Miami, must have watched the Donaire fight with his belts hanging from his shoulders.
Rigondeaux is set to defend the titles against Joseph “King Kong†Agbeko in Atlantic City, New Jersery on Dec. 7. He seems so confident that he’s now talking of a rematch with Donaire.
Donaire, who fought Darchinyan at 126 pounds, should go down to 122 to face Rigondeaux.
After his come-from-behind victory, Donaire talked about the devastation back home, and said he’s doing auctions to help the countless victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
“We’re actually doing auctions,†he told ANC, adding that whatever is raised will go to the relief funds.
Donaire said that despite trailing Darchinyan he never lost hope, knowing that one good punch can turn things around.
“Kung matamaan ko lang ito ng isang suntok na malakas matutumba ito,†he said to himself heading into the ninth round.
And out went Darchinyan.