Cdn Sports / Cdn Sports

http://sports.inquirer.net/cdnsports/cdnsports/view_article.php?article_id=160214

Top Rank plans to hold Donaire- Arce showdown in Manila By Dong Secuya Cebu Daily News Posted date: September 12, 2008 LAS VEGAS -- Filipino IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. will face Mexican star Jorge 'Travieso' Arce in Manila if both Donaire and Arce hurdle their next assignments as planned by Bob Arum's Top Rank which promotes both Donaire and Arce, Donaire's father-trainer Nonito Sr. has informed Cebu Daily News. Arce challenges dangerous WBA interim superfly champion Rafael 'El Torito' Concepcion of Panama on Mexican Independence Day Monday, September 15, in Mexico City (see separate story) while Donaire will defend his flyweight crown against mandatory challenger Moruti Mthalane of South Africa on Nov. 1 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino here. A Donaire-Arce showdown is expected to be a blockbuster event between two charismatic champions. Donaire, looking fit and trim during a 4-hour pictorial yesterday by ace Top Rank photographer Cris Farina at the Top Rank Gym here, also bared Bob Arum's big plans about his career who he said is grooming him to be the next Filipino boxing star next to Manny Pacquiao. Donaire said that “if all goes well, he will eventually challenge WBA/WBC superfly champion Cristian Mijares... and I love that fight to happen.” Donaire also said he is ready to face Mthalane. “I've seen tapes of his fights and I'm prepared and ready to face him on Nov. 1.” Donaire, whose last fight was 10 months ago against Luis Maldonado at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut where he won by 8th round TKO, had a series of cancelled fights since that culminated in his leaving his previous promoter Gary Shaw and signing with Bob Arum's Top Rank.