By Steve Kim
After a long and successful association with Top Rank, former multi-division champion Nonito Donaire has parted ways with the company.
Donaire initially signed with Top Rank in 2008 after parting ways with promoter Gary Shaw. He nearly left the company in 2011 after signing a deal with Golden Boy Promotions, which caused a minor legal battle as Top Rank proved he was still contractual tied to their company. They eventually reconciled later that year. Donaire signed an extension with Top Rank in 2015.
"Nonito is a free agent, right now," confirmed Rachel, his wife confirmed to BoxingScene.com. "We're no longer under a promotional contract with Top Rank."
As for what the future holds, Ms. Donaire explained - ''Nonito still want to continue his career. We still have an amicable relationship with Top Rank. We're free to come back at anytime. Of course with (Oscar) Valdez there that's certainly an option, especially when Nonito tests the waters again at 126. As everyone knows Nonito couldn't make the March fight that Top Rank wanted to with Valdez. It was too close, we were told in January about that fight."
Donaire, who lost his WBO 122-pound belt to Jessie Magdaleno on November 5th in Las Vegas was hoping for a rematch. But Valdez and Magdaleno are now on an April 22nd card at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
"So what we ended up doing is telling them is, 'Hey, maybe lets re-visit this later on down the road.' It wouldn't have worked anyway because Valdez has the mandatory (versus Miguel Marriaga). Our other option was Magdaleno who decided to fight the number twelve contender (Adeilson Dos Santos)," Rachel said.
The 34-year old Donaire currently has a record of 37-4 with 24 stoppages.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.