By Ronnie Nathanielsz

WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is back in the fold of Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and will return to the ring before his Manila wedding on November 11 this year.

In an overseas telephone conversation with BoxingScene.com/Daily Inquirer, Donaire said that he is “doing a little bit of training but will start training camp eight or ten weeks before my fight once I find out the schedule.”

He said he will return to Manila after his fight which will be before his November 11 church wedding to taekwondo champion and model Rachel Marcial whom he married earlier in a civil ceremony.

Donaire won the WBC/WBO titles with a spectacular 2nd round TKO of Mexican veteran Fernando “KO-Chulito” Montiel at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino last February 19 and received acclaim for his superb performance in the ring.

Donaire said “it doesn’t matter whether it’s a tune-up fight or a title fight because once my mind is set and I’m physically and mentally prepared I’ll fight anybody.”

The No. 3 in the pound-for-pound rankings of the prestigious Ring Magazine said “I want to get that title in the bantamweight division but if that’s not possible moving up to 122 (super bantamweight) would be the best solution.”

A unification title fight against WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo Moreno had been planned for last May but that fell through because of Donaire’s issues with Top Rank and his signing of a contract with Golden Boy Promotions .Arbiter, former judge Daniel Weinstein ruled against Golden Boy negotiating with Top Rank fighters, forcing Donaire’s handlers to resume negotiations with Top Rank about his contract.

Asked who he would prefer to fight at 122, Donaire replied “it doesn’t matter really. Arce or anybody.” Arce is the current WBO champion after winning the title from Wilfredo Vazquez Jr of Puerto Rico.

Now that his issues with Top Rank had been resolved Donaire said “it feels good. I am more focused on boxing again. Training and all that stuff.”

Admitting that he’s been eating a lot and weighs around 140 pounds, the classy Filipino said “that’s not too bad.”