By Reynaldo Sanchez
WBO/WBA super bantamweight Guillermo "The Jackal" Rigondeaux (12-0, 8KOs) is looking for big opportunities after his impressive decision victory over Nonito Donaire. Boris Arencibia, Rigondeaux's co-promoter through Caribe Promotions, feels that gradually the two-time Olympic gold medal winner is beginning to receive the recognition that was previously denied due to ignorance about Rigondeaux's skills.
"Since 2009, the year we signed Rigondeaux, I was always confident that he could defeat the Filipino Nonito Donaire when he was at 118 pounds. Now, apparently after April 13, all of those who didn’t know Rigondeaux's skills saw this masterpiece against the best fighter of 2012, and one of the top pound for pound fighters," Arencibia said.
"We are in an environment where money is the most important thing for the fighter and obviously for the promoters. When Top Rank offered us money, or the option to make the fight; we opted to make this battle, since we believed Rigondeaux could win even if we knew how dangerous Nonito Donaire would be. This is a clear indication that not everything should be governed by money. "The Jackal" wanted to do this fight and we took the risk."
"After the result, some things were said about how hard it will be to sell Rigondeaux. However, Caribe Promotions has its share there, and we are willing to negotiate with anyone to find the best fights for the boxing fans. Among those possibilities are [Abner]Mares as the first choice, depending on the outcome fight against [Daniel] Ponce de Leon that we know will not be easy. Vic Darchinyan is another possibility and of course all of the fighters at the super bantamweight class.
"We have considered several options, and none of them are being discarded and we could even could make a fight at 124 pounds - if any of the top 126-pounders think he can defeat Rigondeaux. We spoke to Rigondeaux's training team and they believe that stepping up to the featherweight division would be giving away too many advantages and the option of 124 seems more realistic to try to balance the weight advantages. The challenge is open to all, and to everyone who believes they can make that weight - call Caribe Promotions and let's start negotiations.
"After this; we want to say that Guillermo Rigondeaux's team has no problem between any of them. We are all happy and both, head Coach Pedro Luis Diaz, as well as Ramon Garbey and Joel Casamayor, will be working together with Rigo in his next fight. Furthermore, we wish through this opportunity, to extend a thanks to all those who have worked with him in the past - especially to Professors Salas and Rubio as well as Ronnie Shields and Freddie Roach. They are all part of this triumph."
"Very soon we will be announcing a huge party to celebrate Rigondeaux's victory from April 13th. We believe that a suitable place could be the Hialeah Park and Race Course located at 2200 East 4th Ave Hialeah, Fla. There, all of the boxing fans, friends, media, Cubans and Latin people in general will enjoy a friendly environment where they can spend time with champion Rigondeaux."