by Ronnie Nathanielsz

World Boxing Council president Don Jose Sulaiman claims that in addition to the IBF super bantamweight title, which will not be at stake in the battle between Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire and Japanese southpaw  Toshiaki Nishioka, the WBO belt will also not be on the line in their much-awaited clash at the Home Depot Center in Carson City, California, tonight.

In reaction to earlier stories on BoxingScene.com/philboxing.com in which we reported that the IBF title would not be at stake since the IBF wanted Donaire to pay a substantial sanction fee which he declined, Sulaiman told us "The WBO title will not be at stake either, as both camps accepted to fight only for the Diamond Belt of the WBC."

Sulaiman stated the WBC would not have approved putting the Diamond Belt at stake with what he referred to as "other belts with much lower recognition" in an obvious reference to the WBO and IBF.

The WBC president also pointed out that "Japan does not recognize WBO or IBF titles" adding "why would Japan authorize Nishioka to contend for a title that they don't recognize

it?"

Donaire has already vacated the IBF title and it will be interesting to see, if he wins, whether or not he will also vacate the WBO crown. Donaire is possibly moving up in weight after this contest.