Ni: Gilbert Espeña
WALANG duda na muling aangat ang boxing career ni four-division world titleholder Nonito Donaire Jr. matapos lumagda ng kontrata kay dating Golden Boy Promotions big boss Richard Schaefer na nagtatag ng boxing company na Ringstar Sports.
Sa panayam ng ESPN kay Schaefer, naniniwala siya sa kakayahan ni Donaire na naagawan ng WBO super bantamweight title sa kontrobersiyal na paraan sa alaga rin ni Top Rank big boss Bob Arum na si Mexican American Jessie Magdaleno.
Para kay Donaire, 2012 Fighter of the Year, maganda ang pagkalas niya kay Arum sa paniniwalang muli siyang aangat sa ilalim ni Schaefer na may koneksiyon sa malalaking pangalan sa super bantamweight at featherweight divisions tulad nina dating IBF at WBA super bantamweight champion Carlo Franmtos ng United Kingdom at WBA featherweight titlist Leo Sta Cruz ng Mexico.
“Exploring what was out there in the new landscape of boxing was unnerving and exciting at the same time,” sabi ni Donaire. “I have known Richard for many years and have always respected what he has been able to do for the fighters he promotes. At this point in my career I want the biggest fights possible and Richard’s track record to deliver them speaks for itself.”
Para kay Schaefer, magandang simula para sa kanyang promotion company na makuha ang serbisyo ni Donaire na may kartadang 37-4-0, na may 24 panalo sa knockouts.
“I think Nonito is one of those can’t-miss fighters who always knows how to entertain the crowd,” diin ni Schaefer.
“He’s one of those guys who is never in a bad fight. I am very excited to get involved with him at this point of his career. I think there are some big fights ahead for him.”
Para sa 34-anyos na si Donaire at kilala sa bansag na “Filipino Flash,” puwede siyang bumalik sa featherweight division at nakatakdang ilinya ni Schaefer sa malaking laban sa Setyembre o Oktubre.
“Nonito wants to fight at 126 pounds again, and it’s one of the hottest weight classes in the sport,” ani Schaefer.
“We’ll get Nonito a fight in September or early October, a 10-round fight.”
“We’ve been talking about opponents. Nonito is in Japan right now training but we’ve been talking about our plans.
We’ll get him this fight in the fall and then he fits in early next year for any of those big names,” dagdag ni Schaefer.
“The thought of the megafights against the likes of Mares, Santa Cruz, Selby or Frampton gets my blood boiling,” sabi naman ni Donaire. “The next chapter of my career is starting now and I am excited to say that it is with Ringstar. I am grateful to my fans and team for their continued support.”