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Donaire-Rigondeaux negotiations hit a snag, Darchinyan waiting in the wings for rematch

The scheduled April 13 fight between Nonito Donaire and Guillermo Rigondeaux could be in jeopardy, and Top Rank has Vic Darchinyan ready to replace Rigondeaux if the matchup falls apart.

Scott Halleran

In news that probably won't surprise too many people, the proposed April 13 HBO main event between Nonito Donaire and Guillermo Rigondeaux might be in trouble, with Vic Darchinyan ready to replace Rigondeaux if the fight falls apart.

BoxingScene.com reports that Rigondeaux has some concerns about issues between Top Rank and Caribe Promotions:

"Top Rank sent a contract for the [Donaire] fight, which my advisers are reviewing, but I've made it clear to Top Rank that I want the legal problems between my promoter, Caribe Promotions, and Top Rank, to be resolved before the fight. I want the legal case between the two companies to be resolved," Rigondeaux said.

The deal for the Donaire fight would reportedly have Rigondeaux making a $750,000 purse, which is quite frankly a lot more than most expected he could make for the fight. It's a huge money offer for someone like Rigondeaux, who doesn't have much fan support, and who sold a mere 375 tickets in Vegas a year ago when he fought Rico Ramos. Rigondeaux was paid just over $50,000 for that fight, which drew a $14,000 gate.

Passing up this money offer, in short, would be borderline insane from Rigondeaux.

If he does, though, Arum is ready to go with Darchinyan, the 37-year-old veteran Donaire knocked out in 2007 to make an overnight sensation of himself. Darchinyan and Donaire have discussed a rematch on several occasions, but never come to a deal. Now, it sounds like it's an easy fight to make as a backup if Rigondeaux isn't going to go on April 13.

Does any of this surprise you at all? At this point, do you expect Donaire-Rigondeaux to get done?

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