There is a possibility that undefeated World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) may be replaced by Vic Darchinyan in the title fight against World Boxing Organization/Ring Magazine and World Boxing Council Diamond Belt champion Nonito Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) in the Filipino’s fourth title defense, possibly at New York’s Madison Square Garden on April 13.
“There is a real problem. It’s stupid,†Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told the Manila Standard, referring to Rigondeaux’s demand that Top Rank settle a pending legal dispute with Miami-based Caribe Promotions before he signs the contract to fight Donaire.
Arum added: “They were out, now they’re in and suing and they are trying to hit me for more money, which I’m not going to give them and if Rigondeaux is not going to sign the contract, we’ll go with Darchinyan.â€
The Top Rank promoter thinks a Donaire-Darchinyan rematch may be a better fight
“Cameron Dunkin (Donaire’s manager) likes that fight for Donaire, and Darchinyan is not asking for as much money as Rigondeaux, so it will make HBO happy because we can give them a little refund,†said Arum.
Rigondeaux began the week by getting rid of his trainer Jorge Rubio and according to Rick Reeno of boxingscene.com, retained the services of Cuban coach Pedro Diaz, who also trains Miguel Cotto, Olympic gold medalist Odlanier Solis and several other fighters.
Reeno reported that Rigondeaux’s move to change trainers has been frowned upon by his manager Gary Hyde.
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