Donaire open to rematch with Rigondeaux

MANILA, Philippines – WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. isn’t closing the door on a rematch with one-time conqueror Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba.

Rigondeaux (17-0, with 11 KOs) is the slick, undefeated boxer from Cuba who outpointed Donaire in 2013. He holds the WBA version of the super bantamweight title, and is considered the division’s lineal champion.

That makes a rematch between Donaire and him a logical choice, if the former takes care of business against Jessie Magdaleno on November 5.

“When I beat Magdaleno I'm open to all challenges,” Donaire told Philstar.com in an online conversation. 

“That's what I'm here for. I'll fight anyone,” added the Filipino-American, who will defend his crown against the undefeated Magdaleno in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Jessie Vargas.

Getting past Magdaleno (23-0, with 17 KOs), Donaire acknowledged, won’t be an easy task. The champion is wary of his challenger’s skill set and, more importantly, his hunger.

“He (Magdaleno)’s a skillful fighter with good speed and power. Yes, I have watched his fights,” Donaire continued, adding he’s started reviewing the prospect’s past bouts.

Donaire once moved up to featherweight and even won a title, but slid back to super bantamweight following his knockout loss to a more powerful Nicholas Walters in 2014.

This time, he plans on lingering in the division a little longer.

“As of now I'm comfortable at this weight but I am always searching for more challenges,” said Donaire.

That makes another clash with Rigondeaux inevitable.