Nonito Donaire has officially pulled out of his summer showdown with John Riel Casimero.
The battle between the two Filipinos was scheduled for August 14th but that date is no longer in question following concerns Donaire has regarding drug testing for the fight.
Donaire made the request that Casimero sign up for VADA testing.
That has been countered with Casimero’s team insisting they are registered with the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program that tests fighters at random.
With no compromise sought, Donaire is moving ahead with alternative plans.
“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.”
A potential list of options for Donaire include rematches with former conquerors Guillermo Rigondeaux and Naoya Inoue.