Rigondeaux to sign VADA agreement, Donaire to fly to New York

Published February 20, 2013 2:34pm

In a report by Ryan Songalia for the Ring Magazine website, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) was said to be contemplating a no-show for the press conference of his fight against Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) this Thursday (Friday PHL time). [Related: Guillermo Rigondeaux is Nonito Donaire's next opponent - report] The decision was brought about by Rigondeaux’s refusal to sign the fight contract where it is stipulated that both fighters would undergo extensive drug testing to be administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency Association (VADA). "I am not going to New York City for the presser this Thursday because 'Rigo' is backing off his agreement to VADA drug testing," Donaire told Songalia. However, in the same article, Rigondeaux’s team clarified that they were only waiting for a Spanish translation of the contract so that their fighter will understand what exactly he’s agreeing to. Donaire has since received news that Rigondeaux will indeed sign the contract. Through his official Facebook page, Donaire said that his manager Cameron Dunkin told him that the Cuban will sign the VADA contract before the press conference. He also added that the event will be scrapped if this doesn’t happen. “If he doesn't then the presser won't go forward. I’ll take the plane to New York and take my chances.” Donaire and Rigondeaux are slated to fight on April 13 (April 14 PHL time) at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. The two will unify the WBO and WBA super bantamweight titles. - Carlo Pamintuan / AMD, GMA News

Tags: nonitodonaire, boxing, doping, guillermorigondeaux