Donaire sets October blockbuster with Arce at Staples Center

AFP file photo

While there is a galaxy of stars out there waiting to get a chance at Nonito Donaire, there was only one name that stood out when talks revolved around who the Filipino-American puncher should fight next.

Mexican warhorse Jorge Arce was the runaway winner and Top Rank head Bob Arum said it’s green and go for a Donaire versus Arce showdown at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Arum said he doesn’t even see a reason why the fight will be held in Las Vegas or someplace else other than southern California.

Southern California is home to millions of Mexicans and the fact that many Filipino migrants also reside in La-La Land is reason enough for the 80-year-old Hall of Fame promoter to bring the fight there.

“There is still no exact date but it’ll be in October,” said Arum from Los Angeles, barely 24 hours after Donaire overwhelmed Jeffrey Mathebula of South Africa at Home Depot Center.

While Donaire wasn’t really challenged by the soft-punching Mathebula, such cannot be said once he gets into the ring with somebody like the 32-year-old Arce, known for his never-say-die attitude in the ring.

Unlike Mathebula, Arce is a much better puncher (60-6-2 with 46 knockouts) and he is notorious for his body shots.

Donaire (29-1 with 18 knockouts) should be in for a real challenge.

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