Golden Boy Promotions snatch Nonito Donaire away from Bob Arum and Top Rank

Robert Delgado – Los Angeles

Tags: Nonito Donaire, Nonito Donaire fights, Nonito Donaire videos

Golden Boy Promotions have officially confirmed the latest boxer to be joining their stable will be none other than pound-for-pound contender Nonito Donaire. The move signals a huge coup for Oscar De La Hoya’s firm as they have prised the bantamweight star away from Top Rank.

Golden Boy's new signing

Donaire cemented his super stardom status with a stunning second round kayo over three-weight world champion Fernando Montiel to secure the WBC and WBO versions of the 118lbs weight limit belt earlier in the year.

A statement on the Golden Boy Promotions website read: “Golden Boy is extremely pleased to announce the signing of Nonito Donaire to its roster of fighters.”

De La Hoya was delighted with the acquisition, as well as the opportunity to work with his latest ward. The former fighter even indicated that, contrary to rumour, Donaire would remain in the bantamweight division in order to defend his recently-won belts, as opposed to moving up in weight – something Top Rank promoter Bob Arum was said to be keen on.

“Nonito Donaire is one of the top boxers in the world today and we’re going to make sure he gets the chance to defend his world titles and stays as active as possible,” said De La Hoya. “The bantamweight division is becoming one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in boxing and we look forward to promoting Nonito in great fights in the coming years.”

De La Hoya’s enthusiasm was shared by Donaire, who said: “I’m honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team. I’m going to fight my heart out every time I’m in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see.”

The ‘Filipino Flash’ had less than six months on his former contract to see out with Top Rank yet rejected the supposed one year extension with Arum’s promotional company in order to sign with Golden Boy.

Oscar Winner

Arum was seething over the loss of a pay-per-view fighter and was quoted by ESPN to have said: “Top Rank has a valid contract and we will enforce our rights,” suggesting that a law suit will be filed.

The two rival promoters already have a fractious relationship.

Late last year Shane Mosley left De La Hoya’s stable in order to pursue a fight with Manny Pacquiao – Top Rank’s greatest asset – with the alleged reasoning behind Mosley’s split with Golden Boy due to the perceived inability for his erstwhile representatives and Top Rank to do business together.

By becoming a free agent, ‘Sugar’ Shane effective sweetened a deal with Pacquiao and Arum.

This latest episode between Golden Boy and Top Rank may further add to the ongoing hostilities.

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