What started off as a negotiation regarding drug testing has turned personal between Nonito Donaire and John Riel Casimero.
And the 38-year-old Donaire is having none of it.
In a lengthy tweet by the World Boxing Council World Bantamweight Champion Donaire, he has called off his dream bout against his World Boxing Organization counterpart Casimero which was supposed to take place on August 15 (Manila time).
“I am known to take stands people are afraid to take. I STAND for VADA 24/7/365 testing for ALL boxers. This should never be refused or delayed. I stand against BULLYING in any form,” he tweeted.
“I STAND against the disrespect and ABUSE of women and children physically, mentally, and emotionally. AND I STAND against misogynistic culture.”
For the past couple of weeks, Donaire’s camp has called on Casimero to enter the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) — the world’s strictest doping testing program.
Casimero’s camp though has stated that the WBC’s program was enough.
During the back and forth, one of Casimero’s consultants in Angel Heredia responded with a misogynistic tirade against Nonito’s wife Rachel, who is also his coach.
..@@Guruscience saying he didn’t say it to ME but to Conte. Backpedaling pic.twitter.com/Rz6gP5m2Eh
— Rachel Donaire (@Knockout_Queen) June 30, 2021
Having enough, the Donaire family confronted Casimero camp member Mark Lontayao on Instagram Live last Tuesday.
“We cannot ignore this unprofessional behavior. We cannot excuse the disgusting trolling memes created of my wife as ‘just for entertainment.’ I don’t want other pro athletes to cross this line and think this type of behavior is acceptable. We have to maintain a respectable character, especially online, for the future generations to emulate, and not promote ignorance and foul behavior,” continued Donaire, saying that there is no need for personal attacks to sell the fight.
Now, Donaire has pulled the plug on the match.
And he hopes that it serves a lesson to everyone that there’s a certain limit on selling a fight.
“For the boxing culture to change, promoters and networks should veer away from unacceptable behavior and not encourage it,” he expressed.
“That being said, as we’ve stated before, 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. I do what I say,” he continued.
“And as much as I want to knock him out, I’m going to take the high road and instead of highlighting his misbehaviors, I’m not going to give his example the stage or the payday that comes with it.”
