In a bout that showcased the heart of a legend, Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire Jr. came up just short in his quest to reclaim a world title. The 43-year-old veteran lost a split decision to defending champion Seiya Tsutsumi of Japan in a fiercely contested match on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Kokugikan arena in Tokyo.
A Valiant Effort Against Youth
The fight was a classic tale of experience versus youth. Donaire, entering as the interim WBA bantamweight champion, faced a significant age gap, with Tsutsumi being 14 years his junior at 29 years old. Despite this, Donaire proved he could still compete at the highest level, pushing the champion to the limit and demonstrating that his power remains a formidable weapon.
Donaire started the fight strong, employing a methodical and calculated approach in the early rounds. His strategy paid off dramatically in the fourth round when he landed a devastating right uppercut that buckled Tsutsumi. The Japanese champion was visibly hurt and began bleeding from his nose. However, Donaire was unable to capitalize fully and secure a finish, allowing Tsutsumi precious time to recover and regain his composure.
The Championship Rounds and Judges' Verdict
As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Tsutsumi began to apply steady pressure. He targeted Donaire, whose legendary speed has diminished slightly with age, with consistent and solid shots. The younger champion's activity and resilience in the second half of the fight ultimately swayed the majority of the judges.
After twelve intense rounds, the scorecards revealed a split decision. American judge Robert Hoyle saw the fight for Donaire with a score of 116-112. However, the other two judges, Leszek Jankowiak and Pinit Prayadsab, scored it for Tsutsumi at 117-111 and 115-113, respectively, handing the victory and retained WBA bantamweight title to the Japanese fighter.
Legacy of a Filipino Boxing Great
This fight does little to tarnish the incredible legacy of Nonito Donaire Jr. He entered this match having won the interim WBA belt just six months prior with a ninth-round technical decision victory over Andres Campos. More notably, Donaire holds the record as the oldest world bantamweight champion in history. He set that remarkable record at age 38 in 2021 when he knocked out Nordine Oubaali in the fourth round to win the WBC world title.
While the dream of becoming a champion again was deferred in Tokyo, Donaire's performance sent a powerful message to the boxing world. He demonstrated that even at 43, his skill, power, and champion's heart make him a serious threat to any top contender in the division. The close nature of the decision against a champion in his prime only solidifies his status as an all-time great of Philippine sports.
