Boxing Legend Nonito Donaire Defies Age, Eyes World Title in Tokyo Comeback
At 43 years old, Nonito "Filipino Flash" Donaire is fully aware that he is at the pinnacle of a Hall of Fame-bound boxing career. However, the former four-division world champion is more motivated than ever to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, using his age as fuel rather than a limitation.
The Path Back to the Top
Donaire (43-8, 28KOs) has pledged to demonstrate his enduring power in his return to the ring on December 17, 2025. The bout will take place at the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, where he will face the undefeated Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8KOs), who is 29 years old.
The Filipino boxing icon emphasized that he is preparing meticulously for this fight, viewing it as a critical stepping stone to secure another shot at a world championship. "I always look forward to something bigger in my career," Donaire stated. "Winning this fight sets me up to challenge the other champions and collect the other belts in the division. This is the opponent that puts me back at the top."
Motivation and Future Goals
For Donaire, the drive to continue comes from the belief that he can still outperform the younger competition. He sees this boxing comeback as the gateway to a significant 2026. "That's motivation enough to keep pushing harder and make sure there is a 2026 to talk about with a win," he added. "It doesn't matter who it is in the division, as long as I get to unify and keep moving forward."
Both Donaire and Tsutsumi are recognized by the World Boxing Association (WBA) as bantamweight titlists. Donaire currently holds the interim version of the title, while Tsutsumi remains the "champion in recess" after being unable to defend his crown against Antonio Vargas due to an injury.
Regardless of which version of the title is on the line, Donaire's sole objective is victory. He is determined to use this fight to secure a bigger opportunity and, just as importantly, to prove wrong those who believe it is time for him to retire.
"A lot of people say that I'm already guaranteed to be in the Hall of Fame, but what drives me the most is still being able to do this," Donaire confessed, highlighting his enduring passion for the sport. "Time in the ring is limited. The fact that I still possess the capability to beat these other guys out there and compete at the highest level, that inspires me to keep going."
