At 30 years of age, Donaire has come to a crossroads in his career after dominating for the last seven years at every weight division he has competed – until amateur star Rigondeaux scored a decisive unanimous win at the weekend.
First things first for the Filipino will be surgery on his shoulder, which he injured during the fight, secondly Donaire will look forward to the birth of his son, and only then will ‘The Filipino Flash’ contemplate his imminent move up another division.
Fans are already licking their lips at the prospect of a battle with Abner Mares at 126 as Donaire’s reputation seemingly remains intact, despite what was a comprehensive loss to the formidable Cuban at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
A tenth round knockdown by Donaire managed to duck-tape over the cracks of what would have been a much wider margin of victory for Rigondeaux, although nobody is questioning the multi-weight title holder’s ability or heart after his performance.
Potential foe Mares, 27, is gearing up for a WBC featherweight title challenge against hardman Daniel Ponce De Leon on May 4 on the Mayweather v Guerrero undercard, and with an expected victory, is already linked with a clash against Donaire towards the end of the year.
Donaire was in talks with Mares over a clash pre-Rigondeaux, although opted to face the two-time Olympic gold medallist and may need a rebuilding fight before facing the unbeaten two-weight world champion, which could put any bout off until next spring.
In the meantime, a possible target for Donaire in the fall could be former WBO title holder Juan Manuel Lopez, who firstly fights this weekend against William Prado in Mexico City.
