The Philippine Star

LAS VEGAS – After splitting up with Gary Shaw, Nonito Donaire Jr. hooked up with Bob Arum and said Thursday he’s ready to take on anyone who claims to be the best in the flyweight division.

Donaire, towing his gorgeous fiancée Rachel Marcial, said in a press conference at the Events Center he’s excited now that’s he’s under Top Rank which also has Manny Pacquiao under its wings.

"I haven’t fought for the last six months," he said.

"It’s a wonderful feeling that I have a schedule now although I may not know who the opponent is. I’m just happy. It’s a new adventure. I want to motivate myself so I look forward to everything else."

Donaire, who won the IBF flyweight crown with a sensational knockout of Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007, has only fought once since, beating Luis Maldonado in December of that year.

But he hasn’t fought since, forcing him to cut his ties with Shaw of the Gary Shaw Promotions, and ink a pact with Top Rank through his manager Cameron Dunkin and his dad, Nonito Sr.

"I want to make things happen I don’t want to stay in one weight I want to move in and meet the best in this division and go on from there. I want to fight Fernando Montiel," he said of the Mexican, the WBO super-flyweight champ.

"Whoever claims that they’re the best in this division, and if they’re better than I am I’ll give them what I’ve got. But no one can take me down right now. I’m on a roll," said Donaire, classy in his dark suit and red tie.

He said Top Rank is looking at two quick fights this year, including a title defense sometime in October or November. Whichever date is finalized will set up a tune-up match sometime in August or September. – Abac Cordero