NONITO “The Filipino Flash” Donaire made a stunning return to the boxing ring, securing a technical decision victory over Andres Campos of Chile and claiming the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim bantamweight belt.
The fight, held at the Casino Buenos Aires in Argentina, saw Donaire, at 42 years old, display remarkable resilience and skill.
A clash of heads in the ninth round resulted in a significant injury to Donaire’s right eye, causing profuse bleeding and impairing his vision. Despite the setback, the referee’s decision, based on the judges’ scorecards, awarded the victory to Donaire, who had been unanimously ahead on points at the time of the stoppage.
This win marks a remarkable comeback for Donaire, who had suffered two consecutive defeats prior to this fight.
The first loss came against undefeated Japanese champion Naoya Inoue in June 2022, a second-round knockout in their rematch. More than a year later, in July 2023, Donaire faced another defeat, losing by unanimous decision to Mexican Alejandro Santiago.
The victory over Campos not only ends this losing streak but also propels Donaire back into contention for a world title shot. His impressive performance, despite the injury, underscores his enduring talent and determination.
With his triumphant return, Donaire improves his professional record to 43-8 with 28 knockouts.
The victory positions him to challenge the winner of the upcoming WBA bantamweight title fight between Antonio Vargas of the United States and Daigo Higa of Japan. This potential matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, pitting Donaire’s seasoned experience and power against the youthful energy and skill of either Vargas or Higa.
The Filipino Flash’s remarkable comeback story continues to inspire, proving that age is just a number when it comes to unwavering dedication and a burning passion for the sport.
