Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire Jr. suffered a narrow defeat in his latest quest for world championship glory. The 43-year-old veteran fell short against the younger World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion, Seiya Tsutsumi, in a fiercely contested match decided by a split decision.
A Battle of Generations at Kokugikan
The high-stakes bout took place at the historic Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, Japan, on December 17, 2025. In a fight that showcased the heart of a legend against the vigor of youth, Donaire Jr. pushed the undefeated champion to his absolute limits. Despite the final verdict, the Filipino Flash demonstrated that his elite skills and power remain formidable, even against an opponent 14 years his junior.
The Judges' Scorecards Tell the Story
The closeness of the fight was reflected in the official scores. One judge saw Donaire Jr. as the winner, scoring the bout 116-112 in his favor. However, the two other judges awarded the fight to the defending champion, Tsutsumi, with scores of 115-113 and 117-111, resulting in the split decision loss for the Filipino.
Donaire Jr. entered this fight as the interim WBA bantamweight champion, a belt he won just six months prior with a ninth-round technical decision victory over Andres Campos. This latest result adjusts his storied professional record to 43 wins and 9 losses, with 28 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Legacy Intact Despite Defeat
While the loss is a setback, Donaire Jr.'s performance solidified his status as an ageless wonder in the sport. He holds the remarkable record of being the oldest bantamweight world champion in history, a title he claimed at 38 years old. His ability to compete at the highest level of the 118-pound division deep into his 40s continues to defy boxing conventions.
For the winner, Seiya Tsutsumi, the hard-fought victory preserved his pristine professional slate. The Japanese champion's record now stands at 13 wins, 0 losses, and 3 draws, with 8 knockouts. Defeating a future Hall of Famer like Donaire Jr. represents a significant milestone in his own championship reign.
The boxing world now awaits the next move for the Filipino legend, whose heart and skill in Tokyo proved that his championship journey may not yet be over.
