MANILA, Philippines - Not until he sees a copy of the contract, in black and white, Nonito Donaire Jr. will consider Golden Boy’s $3 million offer for him to fight Abner Mares as pure talk.
Oscar dela Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, went on air announcing the offer. He made it clear that the money is only for Donaire’s side.
“The offer is on the table. It’s your call,†Dela Hoya told Doghouse Boxing. He said the contract has been sent to Donaire and sounded like all’s that’s needed now is the latter’s signature.
The problem is that Donaire or his manager, Cameron Dunkin, or Top Rank president Todd duBeof has yet to see a copy of the contract.
“Todd didn’t receive anything, Dunkin hasn’t either. Should I check with the water boy? Maybe he has it. Games! Send a copy if it’s real,†Donaire said on his Twitter account.
“Todd duBeaof has not received anything and he’s sitting at his desk....Did ya’ll send it to the water boy at Top Rank or what????†the Filipino boxer added.
Donaire, the WBO super-bantamweight champion, is with Top Rank while Mares, the WBC champion, is with Golden Boy.
The two promotional firms are not in speaking terms, and things heat up each time a fight between their fighters is being talked about.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum has been talking to the Mares camp for the fight to happen as early as April. Donaire’s wife is giving birth to their first child, a boy, this June, and he doesn’t want to fight during the period.
Donaire can fight WBA super-bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux in April.
So, here comes Golden Boy making the offer, saying the ball is now in the hands of Donaire and Arum.
“And they can split it up the way they want to. I don’t know what type of deal they have. Maybe it’s a 50-50 deal or a 60-40 deal I don’t care but there’s $3 million on the table,†Dela Hoya added.
Dela Hoya said if Arum finds the amount too small then he can shoot his own offer to Golden Boy.
“If Bob Arum has a better offer for us then we’re willing. Let’s work. If you think $3 million is a low number then come back and offer us more,†Dela Hoya said.
Donaire said he’s hoping that Golden Boy doesn’t “pull off a fast one†by saying the fight should take place in June or July because there’s no way he’d fight on those dates.
If it’s a bluff, Donaire’s not buying.