Nonito Donaire Jr. Suffers TKO Loss to Riku Masuda in WBA Bantamweight Eliminator
Future Hall-of-Famer Nonito Donaire Jr. faced another setback in his storied career, falling by eighth-round technical knockout to younger opponent Riku Masuda in their World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title eliminator. The bout took place last Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama, Japan, marking a significant moment in the division's landscape.
Age and Power Prove Decisive in the Ring
At 43 years old, Donaire was aiming to secure a rematch with WBA bantamweight champion Seiya Tsutsumi, but that opportunity has been delayed following this stoppage loss. During the fight, Donaire displayed signs of his age, struggling against the relentless pressure from Masuda, who is 15 years his junior. Near the end of the seventh round, Masuda landed a solid left punch that dropped Donaire, setting the stage for the decisive eighth round.
In the eighth, Masuda, renowned for his heavy power, continued to unleash a barrage of heavy punches. The onslaught forced Donaire's corner to throw in the towel at the 1:12 mark of the round, ending the contest prematurely. This loss represents just the third career stoppage defeat for Donaire, whose record now stands at 43-10 with 28 knockouts.
Masuda's Rise and Donaire's Future Uncertain
With this victory, Riku Masuda, aged 28, improved his record to 10-1 with nine knockouts, positioning himself for a likely world title shot against champion Seiya Tsutsumi. The win underscores Masuda's growing reputation as a formidable contender in the bantamweight division. For Donaire, this defeat marks his fourth loss in his last five bouts, raising questions about his future in the sport.
After the fight, Donaire did not mention any specific plans regarding retirement, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his next move. The outcome highlights the challenges faced by aging athletes in competitive sports, particularly in the demanding world of professional boxing.
