ShareThisCEBU CITY -– The World Boxing Council (WBC) has issued a notice to the Filipino champion Nonito Donaire Jr. that he only has two months left to defend the bantamweight title he earned by a spectacular knockout over Fernando Montiel or it will be declared vacant by the WBC.
“Our rules and regulations obligate all champions to make a title defense every four months, as six months without doing so represent declaring the title vacant,” the WBC announced in its website.
The WBC said it has contacted Donaire twice but has not received a reply from the Filipino champion.
Donaire beat Fernando Montiel Jr. by second-round knockout last February 19, but has not fought since then after getting into a dispute with his promoter Top Rank Promotions by signing with Golden Boy Promotions.
“Considering the aforementioned facts, Nonito Donaire is being notified in time that he must comply with his obligations as a champion,” the WBC said.
Meanwhile, Donaire said he will return to the ring soon but he did not give a timetable.
The Filipino champion, who thanked his fans and supporters, said he had been training with former world champion Morris East.
Even if he loses the WBC title, Donaire still has the WBO title as both belts were on the line when he beat Montiel.