Boxing

Donaire To Fight Again At 42 In Bid To Break His Own Record

Even to win an interim title at the age of 42 would be unheard of in the Bantamweight division
Joseph Hammond|
Apr 13, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Nonito Donaire (Yellow/Black Trunks) and Guillermo Rigondeaux (Green/White trunks) trade punches during their 12-round WBO/WBA Super Bantamweight title fight at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Nonito Donaire (Yellow/Black Trunks) and Guillermo Rigondeaux (Green/White trunks) trade punches during their 12-round WBO/WBA Super Bantamweight title fight at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images | Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Nonito Donaire is taking a step toward breaking his own boxing record.

Last month, Donaire, 42-8 (28 KOs) made clear his return to the ring and his desire for a 118 lbs world title fight. Donaire expressed a willingness to fight any of the champions at 118 lbs in a quest to become the oldest bantamweight champion in boxing history.

And now it appears he's had that wish granted. The Filipino Flash is set to face Andres Campos (17-2-1) of Chile for the interim WBA bantamweight title at Casino Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires. The fight will take place in the Argentine capital on June 14 as part of the WBA KO to Drugs festival.

On paper, Campos seems ideal for Donaire, having been 1-1-1 in his most recent fights after a two-year inactive period. Before that, Campos was a flyweight contender, having dropped a decision to Sunny Edwards at the O2 Arena in London in 2023. Donaire marks a step up in class for Campos.

Donaire last stepped into the ring in July 2023 when he lost to Alexandro Santiago in a bid to capture the then-vacant WBC bantamweight title. Had he been successful, he would have broken his record as the oldest bantamweight champion ever.

MORE: Maryland Court Rules On Gervonta Davis' Monetary Dispute With Former Manager

In 2021, at the age of 38, Donaire summoned himself to capture the WBC bantamweight title from Nordine Oubaali (17-2) – a former sparring partner. Oubaali only fought one more time ending his own career in 2023.

Nonito Donaire has spent much of his early 40s chasing a fight with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (52-4) that has failed to materialize. A chance at another world title run may offer the next best thing.

The Latest Boxing News

Leaked Medical Report Pours Gasoline On Imane Khelif Boxing Controversy

Floyd Mayweather Threatens Lawsuit Against Fitness Club Bearing His Name

50 Cent Calls Out Floyd Mayweather Over $100 Million Bankruptcy Lawsuit

Floyd Mayweather Net Worth 2025

Published
Joseph Hammond
JOSEPH HAMMOND

Joseph Hammond is a veteran sports journalist with extensive experience covering world championship fights across three continents. He has interviewed legendary champions such as Julio César Chávez, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Gennady Golovkin, Oscar De La Hoya, and Bernard Hopkins, among many others. He reported ringside for KO On SI in 2024 for the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout in Riyadh - the first undisputed heavyweight championship in 24 years.

Share on XFollow TheJosephH