FIVE-DIVISION world champion Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. is no longer part of Top Rank Promotions.
The separation was confirmed by Donaire’s wife Rachel in a BoxingScene.com report yesterday.
“Nonito is a free agent right now,” Rachel said in the report. “We’re no longer under a promotional contract with Top Rank. Nonito still wants to continue his career. We still have an amicable relationship with Top Rank. We’re free to come back anytime.”
Donaire, a native of Talibon, Bohol, fought under Top Rank for nine years.
The 34-year-old Donaire signed with Top Rank in 2008 after he parted ways with promoter Gary Shaw.
Donaire Jr. (37-4L-0D-24KOs) extended his contract with Top Rank Promotions in 2015 when he fought for the vacant WBO World super bantamweight title against Cesar Juarez of Mexico in Puerto Rico. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Last April, Donaire Jr. defended the title against unheralded Hungarian boxer Zsolt Bedak at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) in a fight card co-promoted by Cebu-based ALA Promotions International and Top Rank Promotions.
Donaire Jr. faltered in his second title-defense when he vowed via unanimous decision against American Jessie Magdaleno last November in Las Vegas, Nevada.