Bob Arum Has Three Opponents in Mind for Nonito Donaire

With Nonito Donaire still on the sidelines trying to work out his differences with Top Rank enough to get back to work and finish out his contract with them, Bob Arum has named three potential opponents for the current bantamweight titlist and top pound-for-pound fighter.

"It’s really up to Nonito if he wants to get this over with," said Arum. "If this drags, it won’t be to his benefit. Timing is crucial in a fighter’s career. The priority is to set a fight date. As Nonito’s promoter, we at Top Rank are ready to do what’s best to move his career forward."

Arum said finding a credible opponent for Donaire won’t be difficult and named three fighters who could be suitable challengers – Anselmo Moreno of Panama, Jorge Arce of Mexico and Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba.

"I think Moreno would be the first option," said Arum. "Nonito was supposed to fight him in May. But I can see many other good fights for Nonito. Arce would be a great fight. Another is Rigondeaux. It’s all up to Nonito."

Let's look at these three options.

• Anselmo Moreno: The Panamanian bantamweight titlist is coming off of an easy win on June 17 over Lorenzo Parra, and is one of the top rated fighters in the division. The problem with Moreno (31-1-1, 11 KO) is that he's got zero name value in the States, and there were also reports during previous negotiations that Moreno was asking for way too much money for a fight with Donaire.
• Jorge Arce: It's the fight that would make the most money, and would renew the Mexico vs Philippines rivalry. Arce (57-6-2, 44 KO) holds a belt at 122 pounds after his upset of Wilfredo Vazquez Jr on May 7, and it sounds like he'll rematch Vazquez in November and possibly take an interim fight before then in Mexico. He's a hotter name right now than he has been in years.
• Guillermo Rigondeaux: Has no fanbase, doesn't fight in an exciting style, and isn't quite the phenomenal talent as a pro that he was in the amateurs, it would appear. But he's a good fighter and Top Rank basically has to do something with him.

Of these three, who would you most like to see Donaire?