Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire just tested positive for COVID and will be out for his fight against Emmanuel Rodriguez. Both are top contenders for the bantamweight crown and would have fought for the vacant WBC bantamweight champion.
Sources: Nonito Donaire tested positive for COVID and is out of his Dec. 19 Showtime fight against Emmanuel Rodríguez. Donaire was originally slated to fight Nordine Oubaali. Jaron Ennis scheduled to fight Chris Van Heerden on undercard
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) December 9, 2020
Nonito Donaire originally had a different opponent prior to Rodriguez. His original opponent was supposed to be Nordine Oubaali. Most fans think that Oubaali would have created a tougher fight for Donaire. Oubaali also tested positive for COVID.
Donaire’s last loss was against Naoya Inoue also known as the Monster. Rodriguez on the other hand lost to the same opponent Naoya Inoue. So it is clear that the Japanese Monster is the current king of the division.
It is also worth noting that Rodriguez was the IBF Champion but lost it to Inoue and Donaire was the WBA bantamweight champion who lost to the same opponent.
Luckily, Reymart Gaballo will step in to fight in Donaire’s absence. Gaballo is also a fellow Filipino boxer who is still undefeated who has won the Interim WBA Bantamweight belt. He currently holds a record of 23-0, 20KOs.
Although his past opponents are not of the same caliber who Rodriguez fought. Gaballo was still supposed to fight on the undercard against Jose Velasquez. The fight with Rodriguez against Gaballo will be for the WBC Interim Bantamweight title.
