World Boxing Organization (WBO) President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel has announced the names of the ring officials who will be working in the superbantamweight unification world title fight between WBO champion Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire and WBA champion Guillermo ‘The Jackal’ Rigondeaux of Cuba at the Radio City Music hall in New York City this Sunday morning (Philippine Time).
The third man inside the ring will be referee Benjy Esteves Jr. while the three American judges responsible for scoring are Julie Lederman, John Stewart and Tom Schreck. The WBO supervisor for this fight will be John Duggan of the U.S. while the World Boxing Association (WBA) will be represented by Aurelio Fiengo of Panama.
Esteves was the referee of Johnriel Casimero’s successful IBF jr. flyweight title defense in Panama against Luis Rios last March 16.
Both Donaire (31W-1L, 20 KOs) and Rigondeaux (11W-0L, 8 KOs) proclaimed their readiness when they attended the final press conference on Wednesday in New York City.
Donaire stated that this will be an incredible fight. He feels he owes the fans a spectacular showing. His last fight in New York was a rather boring unanimous decision win against Omar Narvaez of Argentina.
Rigondeaux for his part, said that he doesn’t talk much but he wants to show that he is the best 122 pound fighter in the world and unify the titles.