By Dan Ambrose: WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (28-1, 18 KO’s) is looking to unify the 122 pound titles in the division by facing little known IBF champ Jeffrey Mathebula (26-3-2, 14 KO’s) next month on July 14th at the Home Depot Center, in Carson, California.

Donaire wants to pick off the vulnerable Mathebula, who probably would be lucky if he could beat any of the top 10 contenders in the division, let alone another champion. If Donaire can get past Mathebula, which seems pretty much a certainty, Donaire will likely face WBO bantamweight champion Jorge Arce in his next fight rather than looking to unify another strap at 122.

Donaire then wants to knock off WBC super bantamweight champion Toshiako Nishioka after that. If Donaire can beat him, that would give Donaire three of the four titles and the bragging rights as being the best fighter in the division.

Unfortunately, the fighter that many hardcore boxing fans see as the real best fighter at 122lbs is WBA champ Guillermo Rigondeaux (10-0, 8 KO’s). However, Donaire doesn’t appear to be interested in taking that fight, and his promoter Bob Arum isn’t twisting Donaire’s arm trying to get him to make the fight. Arum is trying to build a star out of Donaire in the Manny Pacquiao mold, and Rigondeaux, with his talent, would likely ruin those plans. Donaire has a huge build in fan base of Filipino fans, who will likely be looking at him to carry Pacquiao’s mantle now that he’s starting to show signs that’s fading. All Arum has to do is keep steering Donaire around guys that would likely beat him like Rigondeaux, and put him in with guys that he can beat with a high of success.

Mathebula doesn’t have the speed, power or boxing skills to beat Donaire. He’s picked up a title, but that doesn’t mean much because with the four titles that float around in each weight division, it’s pretty easy for flawed fighters to pick up straps. Donaire will beat this guy and then move onto other options. Rigondeaux will likely never get a chance to fight Donaire unfortunately.