Former four-division world boxing champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. has signed a three-fight, one-year deal with Top Rank to become effective after he faces Mexico’s Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBO superbantamweight title in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Friday (Saturday morning, Manila time).
Although Donaire isn’t looking beyond Juarez, there is talk that a rematch with Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeaux is inevitable and could happen sometime next year. They met in 2013 with Rigondeaux surviving a 10th round knockdown to pound out a win by unanimous decision on scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 114-113.
A few weeks ago, Rigondeaux decisioned Filipino Drian Francisco convincingly in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International Silver 122-pound crown in Las Vegas. Two judges had it a shutout, 100-90 and a third saw it 97-93 for the Cuban who was booed for refusing to engage and fighting cautiously. Rigondeaux, 35, was stripped of his WBO title due to inactivity before taking on Francisco and is a WBA champion “in recess.” Francisco took the fight on a week’s notice and was schooled by the slick Cuban.
“I wasn’t at my best when I fought Rigondeaux,” said Donaire. “I didn’t have a gameplan. My father wasn’t there to give me advice. Rigondeaux’s a smart guy. Some people think he’s a boring fighter because he runs a lot, won’t get close to you and won’t engage. But that’s how he wins. He’s out there just to win rounds. He won’t go for the kill. There is no risk factor in his style. I think he won’t move up in weight so he’ll stay at 122. If we meet again, things will be different.”
* * * *
Donaire, 33, said since losing the WBA featherweight crown to Nicholas Walters in October last year, his life has turned around. His father Nonito, Sr. is back in his corner and he’s won two in a row. He has a new Top Rank contract and never expected to fight for the world title so soon. The bout against Juarez was supposed to be a title eliminator but was upgraded to a duel for the world crown with Rigondeaux’ dethronement by default.
“Everything happens for a reason,” said Donaire. “I’ve learned from experience and I’m grateful to be given another chance. I think I’ve become not just a better fighter because of my loss to Walters but also a better husband, a better father and a better person. I’m grateful to my wife Rachel for her support and standing by me. I’m dedicating this next fight to my family – my wife and our two sons, Jarel who’s two years and five months old and Logan who’s seven months old.”
Donaire said he’s driven by the goal of bringing a championship back to the Philippines. He intends to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in Manila with his family. A special event the Donaires are looking forward to attend in Manila is the celebration of a great grand aunt’s 100th birthday on Dec. 18.
“Every night, when I go to bed, I think of how blessed I am and when I wake up, I thank God for another day,” said Donaire. “Every day is a blessing and I’m motivated by my desire to do the best I can for my family and country. Right now, my focus is to prepare hard for Juarez. That’s on the top of my mind.”
Donaire said talks to challenge WBA superbantamweight champion Scott Quigg fell through when a unification fight against IBF titlist Carl Frampton was broached by American boxing manager Al Haymon. Quigg turned down the Donaire fight for the chance to meet Frampton in Manchester on Feb. 27. Donaire said regardless of the outcome, he’ll be ready to battle the Quigg-Frampton winner even in England where both fighters are from. He would’ve fought Quigg in England if negotiations hadn’t been cancelled.
* * * *
As for fighting Juarez in Puerto Rico, Donaire said it’ll be like fighting in Manila. “I’ve fought once before in Puerto Rico,” he said. “That was in 2010 and I stopped Hernan Marquez in eight rounds. I think the Puerto Rican fans are very supportive and they’ll go for me. During the presscon for the fight, I felt I was in my hometown. I have a lot of respect for Puerto Rican fans and I think they respect me back. I want to deliver an exciting performance for the fans.”
In 2012, Donaire beat Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Vazquez by a split decision for the vacant WBO superbantamweight title in San Antonio. Donaire gained the Puerto Rican fans’ respect and admiration for that win.
Donaire said he’s prepared to meet Juarez head-on. “He’s a non-stop guy,” said Donaire. “He’s a very tough guy. He’s in front of your face from the first bell. He’s not afraid to come forward and bang.” Donaire said Juarez is tailor-fit for him. It won’t be difficult to locate a target because Juarez never takes a step back. Because Donaire and Juarez like to engage, their fight promises to be a slam-bang affair.
Juarez has never been stopped in compiling a record of 17-3 with 13 KOs but went down twice in losing to Edgar Lozano by disqualification in 2011 and thrice in bowing to Jorge Lara on points a year later. Donaire has a 35-3 record, with 23 KOs. Experience is definitely on Donaire’s side while Juarez has the advantage of youth as he’s nine years younger.