5 months ago
Brace for the Storm: Nonito Donaire Prepares to Rewrite Boxing History at 43
Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. is back in the gym, laser-focused on making history. Days away from 43, the four-division world champion is aiming to become the third-oldest boxer ever to win a world title.
Every distraction is on hold. Every ounce of energy is going toward one goal: December 17.
Day One – Brace for the Storm
Donaire kicked off his camp with a simple but loaded message from Omega Boxing Gym: “Day 1 – Brace for the storm.” The Filipino icon, who has spent some of his time away from boxing enjoying photography, has put the camera aside. The ring is his full-time focus now.
He earned the WBA interim bantamweight championship in his last bout and will face unbeaten Japanese fighter Seiya Tsutsumi, currently recognized as the WBA “champion in recess” by the organization. Donaire stepped in after Antonio Vargas withdrew, seizing an opportunity to cement his legacy.
The WBA is yet to confirm whether the winner will be elevated to full champion, but it’s highly possible, opening up a historic opportunity for Donaire.
His last fight, a WBA interim title triumph against Andres Campos on June 14, showcased the veteran’s long-standing grit. A right eyebrow cut stopped the fight in the ninth round, but Donaire was ahead on all scorecards, proving he still has the power, precision, and ring IQ to take on younger challengers.
As he demonstrated against former world champion Naoya Inoue in 2019, Donaire’s timing and angles enable him to outmaneuver younger, more aggressive opponents.
The Challenge at 43
Donaire’s record speaks for itself: 43 wins, 28 knockouts, eight losses, and world titles in four divisions, according to BoxRec. At 38, he became the oldest bantamweight champion in history, and now he’s chasing another milestone.
The challenge is clear: keeping up with a hungry 29-year-old like Tsutsumi requires perfect conditioning. WBN understands Donaire’s preparation is focused on speed, footwork, and efficiency to offset any natural decline in endurance.
The Unbeaten Hurdle
Tsutsumi is no easy opponent. The unbeaten 29-year-old is listed on BoxRec as having 12 wins, eight of which are by knockout, and three draws. Known for his relentless pressure and high work rate, Tsutsumi’s last fight was a gritty draw against Daigo Haiga in February, showing that he can adapt when tested.
If Donaire wins on December 17, he will join a very exclusive club of veteran champions.
Top 5 Oldest Boxing Champions
Bernard Hopkins: 49 years, 94 days
George Foreman: 45 years, 299 days
Nonito Donaire – aiming for 43 (WBA bantamweight)
Thulani Malinga: 42 years, 8 days
Virgil Hill: 42 years, 9 days
Cornelius Bundrage: 41 years, 169 days
A victory would rewrite his already remarkable legacy, proving the “Filipino Flash” can still shine at the highest level.
Fast Facts: Nonito Donaire
Record: 43–8 (28 KOs)
Divisions: Flyweight, Bantamweight, Super Bantamweight, Featherweight
Age on Fight Night: 43
Opponent: Seiya Tsutsumi (12–0–3, 8 KOs)
Fight Date: December 17, 2025
Title on the Line: WBA interim Bantamweight (Potentially full)
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
Brace for the Storm: Nonito Donaire Prepares to Rewrite Boxing History at 43 https://www.worldbox #donaire #boxing
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