Donaire waiting for call

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MANILA, Philippines - Interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. said yesterday Jorge Arce’s upset loss to South African Simphiwe Nonggayi for the IBF title has derailed his plans to fight in December but he’s still hoping Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and his manager Cameron Dunkin can come up with a option that will bring him back in the ring before the year ends.

“I’m just a phone call away,” said Donaire who is now rated No. 7 in The Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound rankings. “Right now, we’re playing a strategic game in looking for an opponent. Arce would’ve been perfect if only he beat Nonggayi. But he’s not in the cards anymore. There’s really nothing to gain in fighting Arce who is back to rebuilding his career.”

WBA superflyweight titlist Nobuo Nashiro is a target but he may be ordered to stake his crown once more against Mexican Hugo Cazares with whom the Japanese battled to a split draw in Osaka last Wednesday.

Vic Darchinyan is another possibility even as he’s coming off a loss to IBF bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko but the problem is the Australian is staying clear of Donaire. Darchinyan, who lost his IBF flyweight crown to Donaire on a fifth round knockout two years ago, is booked to defend his “super” WBA and WBC 115-pound titles against Tomas Rojas in California on Dec. 12.

WBO bantamweight titleholder Fernando Montiel was also considered but the Mexican is pencilled to face Gerry Peñalosa in Cancun on Dec. 19.

Nonggayi could be his next opponent although the unbeaten “Golden Master” is hardly a box office draw. At least, he holds a world title that Donaire wants.

“Nonggayi is like (Moruti) Mthalane,” said Donaire referring to his South African victim whom he stopped in the sixth round in Las Vegas last year. “You wonder how many will watch the fight because Nonggayi has no US fan base. Still, I’m willing to fight anyone Top Rank and Cameron will put in front of me.”

Donaire said he will go back to the gym with trainer Jonathan Peñalosa this week just in case Dunkin phones.

But realistically, Donaire said it’s unlikely he’ll fight again this year.

“The balance of the advertising money for the year is going to Pacquiao-Cotto so I don’t think there’s going to be too much left for anything else,” said Donaire. “It’s probably just as well as I’ve just recovered from dengue and I’m scheduled to visit Dr. (George) Canlas this week for a check-up on my right hand which by the way, is healed.”

Meanwhile, Donaire is keeping busy with his TV and social commitments. He taped his fifth appearance on GMA-TV’s Celebrity Duets yesterday and may host a TV documentary, to be produced by Solar Sports, on Manny Pacquiao’s training for Miguel Cotto in Baguio.

Last Wednesday, Donaire met with President Arroyo near the golf course of Malacañang in a special audience where he gave the Chief Executive one of only eight team jackets made for his recent fight against Rafael Concepcion. President Arroyo rewarded Donaire with a P1 million bonus for beating Concepcion to claim the interim WBA title.

After accepting the President’s bonus, Donaire said he would donate the entire amount for typhoon victims and rally Fil-Ams in the US to send relief goods. He also vowed to support Games and Amusements Board boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz’ program for out-of-school youth. Dr. Cruz was present at the meeting with the President. Also attending were Ambassador Mae Jimenez of the Ahon Foundation, Donaire’s wife Rachel, team coordinator Mark Tandoc and GMA-TV vice president Ida Henares.

It was later decided that Donaire would use the P1 million reward to buy 40 “bahay kubos” to shelter typhoon victims in an area to be designated by the President’s staff. GMA-TV pledged to support Donaire’s effort by providing the “kubos” with living amenities, like stoves and beds. Each “kubo” will be about 14 square meters with provisions for a kitchen, sitting area and bedroom.

“We want a ‘kubo’ that’s simple, safe, clean and durable – something that’s fit for living in, not for recreation,” said Donaire who shopped around for a “kubo” maker in Imus last Thursday.