Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire Jr. is set for another remarkable attempt at world championship glory, directly challenging the limits of age as he steps into the ring tonight, December 17, 2025. At 43 years old, the future Hall-of-Famer will face the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion, Japan's Seiya Tsutsumi, at the famed Kokugikan in Tokyo.
The Ageless Challenge: Experience vs. Youth
While most fighters fade from elite competition in their forties, Donaire Jr. stands apart. He joins a rare group of athletes, like his legendary countryman Manny Pacquiao, who have maintained elite power and skill deep into their careers. His team is banking on this veteran savvy to counter his opponent's advantages. "Age will matter but we have the advantage in experience and heart," stated Omega Boxing Gym head coach Jinggoy Junco, who will be in Donaire's corner alongside Rachel Donaire. "The opponent is good and is a volume puncher but he still lacks the experience. He had a good training camp. We have a huge chance of winning this fight," Junco added confidently.
A Champion's Pedigree Meets an Undefeated Force
Donaire Jr. is no stranger to making history against the odds. He already owns the record as the oldest bantamweight world champion, a feat he achieved at 38 by knocking out Nordine Oubaali in the fourth round to win the WBC title in 2021. He recently proved his enduring power by capturing the interim WBA bantamweight title via technical decision against Andres Campos on June 14, 2025, at age 42.
His opponent, however, represents a formidable new generation. The 29-year-old Tsutsumi, who is 14 years younger than Donaire, has rapidly ascended the ranks. He seized his opportunity in his sixth year as a professional, defeating fellow Japanese boxer Takuma Inoue by unanimous decision in 2024 to claim the WBA crown. He survived his first title defense with a majority draw against former world champion Daigo Higa. Tsutsumi carries an undefeated record of 12-0-3 with 8 knockouts.
Legacy on the Line in Tokyo
Widely considered one of the greatest Filipino fighters of all time, Donaire Jr.'s legacy is secure. He is a world champion in four different weight divisions and has shared the ring with a who's who of boxing: Naoya Inoue, Oubaali, Carl Frampton, Nicholas Walters, Vic Darchinyan, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Jorge Arce, Omar Narvaes, and Fernando Montiel. He brings a professional record of 43-8 with 29 knockouts into this high-stakes clash.
Adding to the Filipino presence on the fight card, prospect Vencent Lacar (10-1, 4 KOs) will also see action. Lacar is scheduled to face former world champion Sergio Yuri Akui (21-3-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
Tonight in Tokyo, Nonito Donaire Jr. isn't just fighting for another belt; he's battling to redefine what is possible for an athlete in the twilight of a storied career, aiming once more to triumph over time itself.
