Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire Jr. has officially declared that he is not ready to retire from the sport just yet. The veteran fighter, known as the "Filipino Flash," is gearing up for a significant comeback after a recent setback in his storied career.
Donaire's Return to the Ring Set for March 2026
Following a challenging defeat last month, Donaire has scheduled his next bout for March 15, 2026. He will travel to the Yokohama Buntai arena in Yokohama, Japan, to compete in a high-stakes bantamweight clash. This match marks his first fight since the loss, showcasing his determination to continue competing at the highest level.
Bouncing Back from a Heartbreaking Loss
The 43-year-old Donaire is aiming to recover from a split-decision defeat against Seiya Tsutsumi on December 17, 2025. That fight was for the WBA bantamweight title and proved to be incredibly close, with judges' scores showing significant variation. One judge scored it 116-112 in favor of Donaire, while the others favored Tsutsumi, leaving Donaire just short of securing another historic victory.
Facing a Younger Opponent in Riku Masuda
In this upcoming bout, Donaire will face Riku Masuda, a 28-year-old Japanese prospect who is currently at the peak of his career. While Masuda lacks Donaire's extensive experience, he is riding a six-game winning streak and has recently demonstrated his power by defeating former world title challengers such as Jonas Sultan and Michell Banquez. His most recent victory was a fifth-round technical decision win over Jose Miguel Calderon in November 2025.
High Stakes for Both Fighters
The match carries immense importance for both athletes. Donaire currently holds the No. 1 ranking in the WBA bantamweight division, and a win over Masuda could pave the way for an immediate rematch with Tsutsumi for the world title. For Masuda, who is ranked in the top 10 by all four major boxing organizations, defeating a future Hall-of-Famer like Donaire would instantly elevate him to top contender status for a world championship.
Comparing Fighter Records
Donaire brings a legendary record of 43 wins and 9 losses, including 28 knockouts, to the ring. In contrast, Masuda enters with a hungry record of 9 wins and 1 loss, featuring eight knockouts. This clash of experience versus youth promises to be an exciting spectacle for boxing fans worldwide.
