Nonito Donaire Jr. Aims for Another World Title Shot in WBA Eliminator
At 43 years old, Filipino boxing legend Nonito Donaire Jr. is set to battle Japanese prospect Riku Masuda in a World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title eliminator on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The high-stakes match will take place at the Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama, Japan, with both fighters weighing in at 117.7 pounds, meeting the bantamweight limit.
Path to the Title: Winner Becomes Mandatory Challenger
The victor of this eliminator will earn the right to face current WBA bantamweight champion Seiya Tsutsumi as the mandatory challenger. Donaire came agonizingly close to breaking his own record as the oldest bantamweight world champion last year when he fought Tsutsumi in Japan. In a closely-contested bout, two judges favored Tsutsumi, resulting in a split decision win for the champion.
Youth vs. Experience: Masuda's Rise and Donaire's Legacy
Riku Masuda, at 28 years old, holds a significant youth advantage, being 15 years younger than Donaire. After a loss to Tsutsumi in 2023, when he was still a rising prospect, Masuda has won six consecutive fights. His recent victories include notable opponents such as former world title challenger Jonas Sultan, Fumiya Fuse, Kaisei Matsumo, Michell Banquez, and Jose Miguel Calderon. Masuda's most recent win was a technical decision over Calderon on November 24, 2025.
Nonito Donaire Jr., with over 25 years of professional experience, boasts an impressive record of 43 wins and 9 losses, including 28 knockouts. In contrast, Masuda's record stands at 9 wins and 1 loss, with 8 knockouts, highlighting his power and potential in the ring.
Stakes and Expectations for the Bout
This eliminator represents a critical opportunity for both fighters. For Donaire, it's a chance to redeem himself and secure another shot at a world title, potentially extending his storied career. For Masuda, it's an opportunity to prove his mettle against a seasoned champion and advance his own championship aspirations. The boxing world eagerly anticipates this clash of generations, which could reshape the bantamweight division.
