Nonito Donaire may make first title defense in Philippines

Ryan Songalia

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Nonito Donaire may make first title defense in Philippines
Nonito Donaire Jr could defend his WBO junior featherweight title in the Philippines in April, with Evgeny Gradovich being named as a possible foe

MANILA, Philippines – Newly-crowned WBO junior featherweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr could make his first title defense in the Philippines, possibly on April 16 or April 23, according to initial plans. 

Michael Aldeguer of ALA Promotions told Rappler that he had discussed with Donaire’s promoter, Top Rank, and television network ABS-CBN about staging a championship bout at the Araneta Coliseum.  

“It’s a topic that we’ve discussed with [Top Rank CEO Bob Arum] and ABS-CBN,” Aldeguer told Rappler. “We haven’t signed anything yet, nothing has been really on the dot yet, but most likely that’s 99% sure.” 

Donaire (36-3, 23 knockouts) outlasted tough Mexican Cesar Juarez in Puerto Rico on December 11 to earn the belt. The Filipino-American boxer, who was born in Bohol but raised in San Leandro, California, has won world titles in 4 weight classes. 

A source within Top Rank confirmed that a conversation about staging a fight in the Philippines had taken place but said there was “nothing to report” as of yet.

(READ: How gratitude brought new life to Nonito Donaire’s career)

Ronnie Nathanielsz first reported the news, naming former IBF featherweight titleholder Evgeny Gradovich as Donaire’s potential opponent.

Gradovich (20-1-1, 9 KOs) won a portion of the 126-pound title in 2013 with a split-decision win over Billy Dib. Gradovich had taken the fight as a late replacement but retained the title for 4 defenses before suffering his first defeat on a technical decision to Lee Selby in May. 

When contacted by Rappler, Gradovich said, “I hear about that but nothing for sure. Maybe later but right now nothing.” 

An email to Gradovich’s manager Egis Klimas was not returned by time of publishing. 

Donaire had previously fought in the Philippines 4 times, twice early in his career and once in 2009 when he stopped Raul Martinez to defend his IBF flyweight title at Araneta. His most recent fight in the Philippines was a second round blowout of overmatched Brazilian William Prado in March of this year.

In a conversation with Rappler earlier this week, Donaire (36-3, 23 KOs) said “there’s a possibility” of fighting in the Philippines. 

“ABS has been great in trying to make it happen over and over. We were able to make it happen this year so hopefully next year there’s a possibility of that.”

Aldeguer said that he hopes to put RING magazine/WBO flyweight champion Donnie Nietes on the card as well. The 33-year-old Nietes from Negros Occidental will be due for a mandatory title defense by then. 

Moises Fuentes, whom Nietes has a draw and a knockout victory over in two previous fights, won an eliminator against Francisco Rodriguez Jr that could put him in line for a third shot at Nietes. 

“We haven’t gotten any email to formally confirm that it’s going to be Fuentes. Hopefully after this holiday season I’ll talk to WBO and see who’s going to be the mandatory,” said Aldeguer. – Rappler.com

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