Contrary to some erroneous reports circulated yesterday that World Boxing Association World Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (10-0, 8 KOs) had agreed to an 18-month contract extension with Top Rank, the two-time Olympic gold medalist will become a promotional free agent after his fight tonight against Robert Marroquin (22-1, 15 KOs), on the Sergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. HBO Pay-Per-View event, at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I met with Bob Arum on Thursday and he increased his earlier proposal considerably, but ‘Rigo has not signed a promotional deal with Top Rank or any other promoter for that matter,” Rigondeaux’ manager Gary Hyde explained.
“I am waiting for Top Rank to send its proposal to my attorney, Patrick English, and then I will consider it. We have two other lucrative offers and will decide which promoter we will sign with after thoroughly reviewing each all proposal. Tonight’s fight against Robert Marroquin will be Rigondeaux’ final fight for Top Rank as his promotional contract expires after tonight’s one-fight deal.”
Atty. English sent the following email to Top Rank’s attorney last night:
Earlier today I send an e mail inviting a written proposal for review. I have now read two articles quoting Bob Arum to the effect that Mr. Rigondeaux will remain with Top Rank. Those statements seem to be offered as fact and not opinion. Let me make this clear. Any offer must be placed in writing and will be considered. However, it is not accurate to suggest that any new contract is in any way a fait accompli and Bob should be so advised. The sole commitment made is to consider any written proposal.”
