Donaire may lose WBC title

MANILA, Philippines — The World Boxing Council (WBC) is getting impatient with the inactivity of its bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire.

Donaire, who had won the WBC 118-lb crown by knocking out Fernando Montiel of Mexico on Feb. 19 in Las Vegas, has not fought since then and seems to be uncertain about his future although the fighter revealed that an annoucement is expected soon about his much-awaited return to the ring.

"Our rules and regulations obligate all champions to make a title defense every four months, as six months without doing so represent declaring the title vacant," said the WBC in a statement that was issued from its headquarters in Mexico City.

"Considering the aforementioned facts, Nonito Donaire is being notified in time that he must comply with his obligations as a champion, and so far, we have not received a reply from the Philippine fighter," added the WBC.

Donaire is involved in a contractual dispute with Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions slugging it out over his promotional rights.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum had earlier scheduled a May 28 fight for Donaire but the boxer made an announcement that he had signed up with the Oscar De La Hoya-owned GBP.

Arum did not hand Donaire's head to GBP on a silver platter and sought the intervention of a mediator, who eventually ruled in his favor.

Donaire is among the world's best fighters regardless of weight and is being groomed to become the successor to Manny Pacquiao.

Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin