“Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire Jr., who just electrified his already sizzling boxing career with a two punch KO over Mexican world champion Fernando Montiel, is taking a cue from professional athletes in other sports.
Meaning that, for the time being at least, the 28 year old Donaire has just declared himself a free agent and may be the subject of a high stakes auction for his fistic services.
I learned minutes ago that the Gensan born, raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, WBC/WBO bantamweight champion is officially a promotional free agent and no longer remains tied to Bob Arum’s Top Rank. I’m hearing that the Top Rank contactual hold on Donaire is now expired.
It was reported that Donaire earned a $325,000 purse from his obliteration of Montiel on Feb. 19 in Las Vegas.
You can be sure Donaire is now looking for multmillion dollar package for his services. Being a now well established HBO star doesn’t hurt his cause.
Outside of Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquaio, who Donaire is always careful to praise and resist comparisons to, there is no hotter fighter on the planet right now.
Donaire and influential wife, Rachel, have also been taking care of business outside the ring as well, including a sitdown heart to heart discussion/reunion with the boxer’s parents. According to reports, his father and former trainer Nonito Sr. has buried the hatchet with Junior and his wife, a move that has gladdened the hearts of most family-oriented Pinoys and Fil-Ams.
Obviously, Top Rank archrival Golden Boy, in a continuing war with Arum and his troops, will be a major bidder for Donaire’s abundant talents.
Not to mention that Arum and TR president Todd duBoef will likely make a strong bid to bring the fighter back into the fold.
I’m sure that manager Cameron Dunkin and lawyer Michael Miller, noted barrister based in San Antonio, will have an Open House, welcoming any and all new bidders, known and uknown.
Dunkin and Miller are in Anaheim tonight with their exciting prospect James Kirkland who is having his first bout after a jail stint on a gun/probation violation case in Texas.
Somewhere, Curt Flood is smiling and Marvin Miller must be proud.
