Donaire faces Mexican under new deal with Top Rank

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito Donaire Jr. will take on Mexican contender Cesar Juarez this December after signing a contract extension with Top Rank Inc., an international sports website reported Wednesday.

ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael reported that Donaire will face Juarez on December 11 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, part of his quest to win another world title.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum told Rafael that Donaire himself came into his office to sign the extension, which is reportedly for more than a year.

"Nonito came to the office to meet with me and sign the contract. And he said, 'No more fooling around, no more being a celebrity. I'm a fighter and I'm going to work hard and stay in the gym and you will see the best Nonito Donaire you've ever seen,'" Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said.

"That's what he told us in the office. I think Donaire is really serious now. He's a great fighter and I don't count him out against anybody," the veteran promoter added.

Donaire is riding the momentum of a two-fight winning streak after getting knocked out by Nicholas Walters during their featherweight title clash a year ago.

The Filipino-American fighter said signing an extension with Top Rank gives him a better chance at shooting for another boxing belt.

"I feel good about the deal. I've had some setbacks but I've put myself in good position with this deal," Donaire said.

Arum, for his part, said a win by Donaire over Juarez (17-3, with 13 knockouts) could set him up for a duel with WBO featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko. – Dino Maragay