Nonito Donaire made his debut at junior featherweight this past Saturday, successfully defeating Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. in a split decision. Donaire will need some time to heal his injured left hand, but he has begun looking at his next opponent once the hand is healed. Immediately after the fight, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum indicated Jorge Arce was the next logical opponent.
It now looks like Donaire and Arce will happen as they reportedly have an agreement of sorts in place. According to Donaire's manager Cameron Dunkin, Donaire has an agreement with Arce and a subsequent agreement with Toshiaki Nishioka.
Donaire and Arce would help resolve some lingering issues. Arce actually first defeated Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. for the 122 pound belt. Arce then relinquished the belt and moved back down to 118 pounds while Donaire moved up to face Vazquez a couple fights later for that same 122 pound belt. Now Arce and Donaire can clear things up. If Donaire can get past Arce, he would then face the current top junior featherweight (albeit, not the Ring Champ yet) Toshiaki Nishioka, with Guillermo Rigondeaux possibly on the horizon.