On Monday,
famed nutritionist and anti-doping advocate Victor Conte informed Maxboxing.com that
effectively immediately, he would no longer be working with 2012’s “Fighter of
the Year” Nonito Donaire.
“I
quit. I'm done working with Nonito. It was entirely my decision,” Conte
informed Maxboxing.com. The normally outspoken Conte did not wish to elaborate.
When
reached for comment, Donaire did not acknowledge the full extent of the split
but made it clear he would continue his 24/7/365 anti-doping program with the
Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).
“Regardless
of the current standing of my relationship with Victor, I will still be
actively enrolling myself in VADA and subjecting myself to 24/7/365 drug
testing,” Donaire said via text.
Conte
has routinely been providing Donaire with comprehensive blood testing, hypoxic
training equipment and methods plus individualized nutritional supplementation.
In addition to Conte leaving the team, this writer understands that world-class
sprint coach Remi Korchemny has also decided to leave Team Donaire.
The loss of Conte and Korchemny
is ill-timed as Donaire, 31-1 (20), is in the thick of training camp, preparing
for his dangerous April 13 showdown
with Guillermo Rigondeaux, 11-0 (8), a WBO and WBA super bantamweight
unification bout on HBO. The move is a sudden shock. The two men have worked
together over three years, winning multiple titles in two divisions including
wins over Fernando Montiel and Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. among others. No replacement
has been named thus far.
