NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 13: Guillermo Rigondeaux punches Nonito Donaire during their WBO/WBA junior featherweight title unification bout at Radio City Music Hall on April 13, 2013 in New York City. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—It’s been eight years since Nonito Donaire fell to Guillermo Rigondeaux but time hasn’t healed old wounds for the Filipino Flash.
Donaire is still eager to take on Rigondeaux for a second time and this time it’s in his quest to unify the whole bantamweight division.
In an interview with ESPN Deportes, Donaire said he could knock out Rigondeaux if ever they face each other again with the experience he’s garnered over the years making him a different fighter.
“I think that with the experience that I have added over these years [since we fought], I could knock out Rigondeaux. I have a lot plans and I am working for them,” said Donaire h/t BoxingScene.com.
Donaire was on an absolute tear going 31-1 with 30 straight wins before losing to Rigondeaux in the WBA and WBO super bantamweight unification clash.
Since that loss, Donaire accumulated four more defeats including his last bout against Naoya Inoue in 2019.
If the cards play out right, Donaire and Rigondeaux will face each other again.
Donaire (40-6) is set to face Nordine Oubaali for the WBC title while Rigondeaux (20-1) on Sunday (Manila time) while Rigondeaux will take on John Riel Casimero on August 14.
“Without a doubt, if he can get past this tough fight, we will go for him. I’m coming to unify all the titles,” said Donaire.