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Nonito Donaire Shines In Comeback Fight, Claims WBA Interim Bantamweight Title In Argentina
Photo credit: Nonito Donaire Jr.
After nearly a year away from the spotlight, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. made a statement return to the ring, capturing the WBA interim bantamweight title with a technical decision win over Chilean contender Andres Campos on Sunday (Philippine time) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The 42-year-old Donaire, already a future Hall of Famer, looked every bit like the legend he is—sharp, composed, and strategic. He controlled the tempo of the fight with his trademark counterpunching and made the most of his reach and experience to keep Campos at bay.
The bout was halted in the ninth round after an accidental clash of heads left Donaire with a cut above his right eye. As per protocol, the match went to the scorecards, and all three judges had Donaire ahead: 87-84, 87-84, and 88-83.
It was a hard-earned win and a meaningful one. Coming off two consecutive losses—one to Japanese star Naoya Inoue in 2022 and another to Mexico’s Alexandro Santiago in 2023—Donaire’s victory sends a message that he’s not done yet. Now with a record of 43 wins, 8 losses, and 28 knockouts, he once again finds himself within reach of a world championship.
Up next for Donaire is a potential shot at the full WBA bantamweight crown. That opportunity will go to the winner of the upcoming title clash between American Antonio Vargas and Japan’s Daigo Higa, scheduled for July 30 in Yokohama.
Donaire's comeback also comes at a time when Filipino boxing is experiencing a surge of veteran energy. Just weeks from now, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is also set to make his return at 46 years old. Pacquiao will take on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19—another high-stakes bout for one of the sport’s most celebrated icons.
For Donaire, Sunday’s victory is not just about another belt—it’s about legacy, resilience, and proving that even in his forties, he can still compete at the highest level.
The 42-year-old Donaire, already a future Hall of Famer, looked every bit like the legend he is—sharp, composed, and strategic. He controlled the tempo of the fight with his trademark counterpunching and made the most of his reach and experience to keep Campos at bay.
The bout was halted in the ninth round after an accidental clash of heads left Donaire with a cut above his right eye. As per protocol, the match went to the scorecards, and all three judges had Donaire ahead: 87-84, 87-84, and 88-83.
It was a hard-earned win and a meaningful one. Coming off two consecutive losses—one to Japanese star Naoya Inoue in 2022 and another to Mexico’s Alexandro Santiago in 2023—Donaire’s victory sends a message that he’s not done yet. Now with a record of 43 wins, 8 losses, and 28 knockouts, he once again finds himself within reach of a world championship.
Up next for Donaire is a potential shot at the full WBA bantamweight crown. That opportunity will go to the winner of the upcoming title clash between American Antonio Vargas and Japan’s Daigo Higa, scheduled for July 30 in Yokohama.
Donaire's comeback also comes at a time when Filipino boxing is experiencing a surge of veteran energy. Just weeks from now, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is also set to make his return at 46 years old. Pacquiao will take on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19—another high-stakes bout for one of the sport’s most celebrated icons.
For Donaire, Sunday’s victory is not just about another belt—it’s about legacy, resilience, and proving that even in his forties, he can still compete at the highest level.
Jun 16, 2025
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