In a significant boost to his legendary career, former multi-division world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire has received a major ranking upgrade from one of boxing's major sanctioning bodies.
WBA Grants Donaire's Request
The World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially placed the 43-year-old Filipino icon as its No. 1 contender in the bantamweight division. This positive response came after a formal request was submitted by Donaire's manager and wife, Rachel, following his recent fight in Japan.
The development comes just two weeks after Donaire (43-9-1, 28 KOs) suffered a close split decision loss in his bid to reclaim the WBA bantamweight crown from champion Seiya Tsutsumi (13-0-1, 8 KOs). The hard-fought bout took place in Tokyo.
Post-Fight Strategy Pays Off
Immediately after the grueling match, which left Tsutsumi with a broken nose requiring surgery, Team Donaire sprang into action. Rachel Donaire sent formal petitions not only to the WBA but also to the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and International Boxing Federation (IBF), urging them to elevate her husband's contender status.
While Donaire came up short on the scorecards, he emerged from the fight relatively unscathed and immediately expressed his desire to return to action and challenge for a world title once more.
Chasing History Once Again
This new top ranking puts Donaire in prime position to pursue a remarkable personal goal. The ageless warrior is now targeting a chance to break his own record as the oldest world champion in bantamweight history.
Donaire first set that record in November 2018 at the age of 36. He then shattered his own mark over two years later, scoring a stunning knockout victory over the previously undefeated Nordine Oubaali to claim the WBC bantamweight title.
Now, with the WBA's endorsement, the Filipino boxing legend has a clear path to attempt another historic feat, defying time and expectations in the sport's lower weight classes.
