The World Boxing Council (WBC) order for reigning bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. to face Reymart Gaballo was something the camp of the interim title-holder had expected.
JC Mananquil of Sanman Boxing Promotions, which handles Gaballo, said they have been looking forward to the fight against the legendary boxer.
“We’re actually expecting it, we’re not surprised that the WBC ordered the fight because it’s a mandatory fight,” Mananquil said in a phone interview Wednesday, Sept. 22 with Manila Bulletin.
“It would be an honor for Reymart to face Donaire. It’s been nine months since Reymart fought and won the fight against Emmanuel Rodriguez, he’s one of the top challengers.”
Mananquil said that there is no date at the moment and where the fight between Donaire and Gaballo would take place.
The other day, news came out about the WBC’s order for Donaire to defend his title against Gaballo, nearly four months after the 38-year-old Donaire scored a stunning fourth-round knockout against Nordine Oubaali of France that gave him the WBC bantamweight belt.
Donaire was actually looking for a rematch against Naoya Inoue of Japan, the reigning World Boxing Association Super World International Boxing Federation World bantamweight champion.
The "Filipino Flash" was also targeting a possible bout against World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero.
Gaballo, on the other hand, extended his win streak to 24 – 20 by KOs – when he came through with a split decision win against Puerto Rico’s pride Rodriguez last December 19 in the US.