‘The Filipino Flash’, Nonito Donaire, aims to become oldest bantamweight champion

by Geoffrey H. Latayan

Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao is set to make a comeback in the ring on July 19 in Las Vegas – but earlier than that, 42-year-old Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire will try to make history.

Donaire (42-8, 28 KOs) will fight on June 14 against Chilean boxer Andres Campos (17-2-1, 6 KOs) for the interim World Boxing Association bantamweight title at the Casino Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

The fight is part of WBA KO to Drugs Festival in the Argentine capital.

Donaire seeks to break own ‘oldest bantamweight champion’ record against Campos

Donaire, who last stepped into the ring in July 2023 in a loss to Alexandro Santiago for the vacant WBC bantamweight title, will attempt for the record for the second time.

If he’s successful, the Filipino Flash will surpass his own record he set in 2021 when he defeated Nordine Oubaali for the WBC bantamweight crown. He was 38 when he won the title over the French boxer.

Campos, however, is not a low-caliber boxer, having an 85 percent winning record as a professional boxer. However, he is 1-1-1 in his recent bouts after going inactive for two years.

The Chilean used to be a flyweight contender and lost to Sunny Edwards via decision at the O2 Arena in London in 2023. The fight against Donaire will be his biggest bout in two years.

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Donaire-Campos WBA interim title bout ‘an eliminator’ for WBA regular tiara

The match between Donaire and Campos will be an unofficial eliminator for the WBA regular title bout that is currently held by Antonio Vargas.

Vargas, the former interim WBA titleholder, was promoted as regular WBA champion after Japanese Seiya Tsutsumi was declared “champion in recess” due to a health issue. 

The events paved the way for the Filipino pug to have another shot at a world title.

Donaire lost his last two fights against unbeaten Japanese powerhouse Naoya Inoue and Santiago, and a win would catapult him back to relevance in the 118-pound class. 

A loss would push him to a choice where he’ll possibly hang up his gloves to end his legendary career.

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