Donaire vs. Rigondeaux Close To Done For April 13
By Jhonny Gonzalez
BoxingScene.com was advised by several sources that a deal is nearly complete for a super bantamweight unification between champions Nonito Donaire (31-1, 20KOs) and Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0, 8KOs). The match would take place on an HBO televised date of April 13th, in New York or Los Angeles.
Rigondeaux’s manager, Gary Hyde, has confirmed that he received an official contract for the match. And the Rigondeaux team have told BoxingScene that they are “happy with the contract in principle and hope to have it signed this week.”
Donaire will face a very stiff test in Rigondeaux, considered by many experts as one of best fighters in the history of amateur boxing and a two-time Olympic gold medal winner.
Both fighters are promoted by Top Rank.
Golden Boy Promotions have been pushing very hard for a unification between Donaire and WBC champion Abner Mares. A few days ago, Golden Boy issued an offer of $3 million dollars to Top Rank for the services of Donaire. While the offer was very generous, there were very few insiders who actually believed the deal would come together.