Boxing News: Nonito Donaire Could Face Evgeny Gradovich, Vasyl Lomachenko in 2016
World Boxing Organization junior featherweight champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire could face Russian boxer Evgeny Gradovich and Vasyl Lomachenko in 2016.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who promotes Donaire, told The Manila Times that his fighter may next clash with "El Ruso Mexicano" for his first title defense. Arum added that the former International Boxing Federation featherweight king is planning to move down the junior featherweight division. Gradovich was last seen in Oct. 24, winning against Aldimar Silva Santos via a split decision in Omaha, Nebraska, per BoxRec.
The longtime promoter also shared that he is looking into a possible clash with the Ukraine-born fighter Lomachenko, who holds the WBO featherweight crown. Although Lomachenko currently posts only five wins in his career, four of them were for the WBO title he now owns. He already successful defended his throne three times, with the last one against Romulo Koasicha via a 10th round knockout win in Las Vegas on Nov. 7, according to BoxRec.
Truly, 2016 promises to be a big year for Donaire, especially after coming out of a victory via a unanimous decision against Mexican fighter Cesar Juarez on Dec. 11, at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, per an ESPN report. With his win, he regained a champion status by capturing the vacant WBO junior featherweight title.
Arum told The Manila Times that he was impressed with Donaire that night.
"I was there watching and it was really a tremendous performance. He [Donaire] was pushed to the limits by Juarez, but he didn't give up. It was a great performance," the 84-year-old promoter said.
Donaire, who hurt his ankle during the fight, admitted on ESPN that it was not an easy task to emerge as the victor that day.
"The guy was amazing. The guy was strong. I give it to him. I think that was the toughest fight I've ever been in my life. It was an amazing fight," said the 33-year-old titleholder after the fight.
On the other hand, Juarez accepted that it was truly Donaire's shining moment that time, but he would have been more receptive of the decision if it was declared a close fight.
"The judges were not fair. It was much closer, like a one- or two-point fight. But I do think Donaire won," the young Mexican said.
Can fans expect a rematch between Donaire and Juarez?
For Donaire, it is not a problem as he is willing to see the 24-year-old opponent again inside the ring.
"I will definitely give him a rematch. I'm not taking anything away from him," the WBO champ said.
It looks like 2016 will be really full for the rejuvenated Donaire.
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