Nonito Donaire Issues Statement After Canceling John Riel Casimero Fight

Nonito Donaire will not be fighting John Riel Casimero on August 14.

Donaire was set to defend his WBC bantamweight title and was also fighting for the WBO bantamweight title. It was a highly-anticipated bout, but Donaire has pulled out of the fight due to the fact Casimero wouldn’t agree to VADA testing.

“I am known to take stands people are afraid to take,” said Donaire in a statement on Tuesday. “I STAND for VADA 24/7/365 testing for ALL boxers. This should never be refused or delayed. We cancelled this fight when they delayed turning in the VADA paperwork for 5 days. We have proof that the opposing side was neither honest nor forthcoming in providing the proper information to begin VADA drug testing. AFTER we cancelled the fight, then and only then did the paperwork suddenly appear.” 

As of right now, it’s uncertain what the future holds for this fight. Perhaps, cooler heads can prevail and they can rebook the fight between Donaire-Casimero down the line. Yet, if the VADA issue remains, it’s likely Donaire will move on and try and fight someone else next time out.

Nonito Donaire (41-6) is coming off a KO win over Nordine Oubaali back in May to win the WBC bantamweight title. Prior to that, he suffered a decision loss to Naoya Inoue to lose his WBA (Super) bantamweight title.

What do you make of Donaire pulling out of his fight with Casimero?