Buenos Aires: Nonito Donaire Jr. made a successful return to boxing, defeating Chile's Andres Campos via technical decision to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim bantamweight title at Casino Buenos Aires in Argentina. This marked Donaire's first fight since 2023.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 42-year-old Donaire encountered a cut above his right eye due to an accidental clash of heads in the ninth round, leading the referee to halt the match and consult the scorecards. The judges unanimously ruled in favor of Donaire with scores of 87-84, 87-84, and 88-83.
'The Filipino Flash' displayed precision throughout the bout, effectively landing counterpunches and taking advantage of his height and reach. With this victory, Donaire, who now holds a record of 43 wins, 8 losses, and 28 knockouts, is set to challenge the winner of the upcoming Antonio Vargas vs. Daigo Higa fight for the full WBA bantamweight belt. Vargas is scheduled to defend his title against Higa in Yokohama, Japan, on July 30.
Previously, Donaire suffered defeats in his last two matches, losing to Naoya Inoue in 2022 via a second-round stoppage and to Alexandro Santiago by unanimous decision for the vacant WBO bantamweight title in July 2023. Meanwhile, fellow Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is preparing for his return to the ring after four years. Pacquiao is set to face World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19.
