MANILA, Philippines – Tired of fighting under the shadow of Manny Pacquiao, world bantamweight king Nonito Donaire yesterday said he has signed up with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP), leaving Bob Arum enraged and talking about dragging the Filipino-American to court.
In a statement released to media outlets, Donaire said: “I am so honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team.”
“I am going to fight my heart out every time I am in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see,” said the 28-year-old puncher who resides in San Leandro, California.
Donaire did not answer calls and text messages seeking comment.
While Donaire opted to stay quiet, Arum could not help but pull the trigger.
“It’s ridiculous. Our contract is so solid,” said the 79-year-old Arum, whose contract with Donaire began in 2008.
Arum said Top Rank has Donaire under contract until 2012 as the company has the right to a one-year extension.
Donaire said Top Rank did not live up to the stipulations in the contract that would guarantee him three fights in one year but Arum said it was impossible to fulfill that because Donaire had two medical suspensions.
“How can you give a guy a fight when he is suspended?” said Arum.
Donaire is looking forward to a May 28 fight but Arum said the legal action that will follow would complicate matters.
“We have just filed a complaint with (retired judge) Daniel Weinstein for arbitration. Hearing is set next week in Los Angeles,” said Arum, naming topnotch litigators Daniel Petrocelli and David Marroso as Top Rank’s representatives to the hearing.
Donaire’s popularity rose last month after he knocked out Fernando Montiel of Mexico in less than two rounds on a Top Rank show in Las Vegas.
Even if Donaire finds himself in legal trouble with Top Rank, there is still a possibility that his May 28 fight under GBP will push through as the warring parties might end up being told to compromise as in their previous episode with Pacquiao when Top Rank was mandated to give a certain amount of Pacquiao’s purse to GBP.
But Arum, who will be in the country next week, doesn’t see it that way.
“Unless he comes back to us, he won’t have a fight. The only fight he is going to have is with his wife Rachel.”
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