The handlers of Panama’s world –rated super flyweight Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion say that they have no contract to fight IBF flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire as yet.

Damon de Berry-of Optimum Sports Agency told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports “as of this time we do not have a contract to fight Donaire.”

At the same time De Berry said he wished to comment on a story in boxingscene.com which claimed that Concepcion “opted to breach his contract when he signed a deal “ that will put him against Donaire for the WBA interim super flyweight title at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on August 15.

Concepcion had been scheduled to fight undefeated Filipino Drian Francisco on July 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome but the fight was postponed to September 6 allegedly because of the threat of the A (HINI) virus.

Solar Sports CEO Peter Chanliong told us that their partner Elmer Anuran, who is the handler of Francisco, had claimed the Department of Health had requested the postponement because of the swine flu problem.

Anuran was reported to have considered taking legal action against Concepcion for signing a contract with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum when he had what Anuran regarded as a legally binding agreement to fight Concepcion .

However, de Berry made it clear to us that “after the postponement I did not sign a new contract and I let Elmer (Anuran) Know that I was going to explore our options” having earlier indicated that Concepcion had been training and was ready to fight on the original July date and could not wait until September to fight.

Anuran was quoted as saying he had already booked Concepcion’s team for round-trip flights and had spent so much money for publicity as well as print and broadcast promotions and that if Donaire was not a Filipino and Top Rank had not talked it over with him he may have pursued his legal rights.

Anuran was also quoted as saying that he let him go after WBA’s Gilberto Mendoza, the Top Rank people and De Berry had spoken to him last Wednesday.

In response de Berry said “I don’t know how he (Anuran) has all of a sudden purchased tickets for the team as he doesn’t have any names and had asked me to look at tickets.”

De Berry conceded that he understands the Filipino handler’s disappointment over the fact that they were not gong through with the Francisco bout but pointed out that “the date was changed and other opportunities are out there. Rafael ( Concepcion ) needs to fight and it is my job as his manager to search for the best opportunities for him.”

Francisco’s handlers are now reportedly looking for a replacement for Concepcion for their September fight card.