The Legendary Nonito Donaire Set For Summer Return To Begin Final Push For Another Title
- Matthew Brown
- May 14
- 2 min read
05/14/2025
Nonito Donaire is back… for real this time.
Sources tell Brunch Boxing that the Filipino icon is officially gearing up for one final charge at boxing immortality.
The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is set to return to the ring this summer—potentially as early as next month, in what will mark his first fight since a 2023 unanimous decision loss to Alexandro Santiago.
“Fighters fight,” Donaire told Brunch Boxing when asked why now.
As one of the sport’s most decorated warriors, that mindset has carried Donaire through two decades at the top level.
Donaire (42-8, 28 KOs) has captured world championships in four weight classes—from flyweight to featherweight—and made history in 2021 by becoming the oldest fighter to win a bantamweight world title at age 38. Now, he aims to break his own record.
Donaire’s resume is filled with rare feats: he’s one of only six boxers—joining Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins, Erik Morales, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.—to win world titles in three different decades (2000s, 2010s, 2020s). That achievement alone cements his legacy, but for Donaire, it’s not enough.
For a fighter whose career spans generations, whose left hook has ended eras, and whose heart has never been questioned, this summer will be about putting a coda on that legacy.
While away from the ring, Donaire has remained deeply involved in boxing. He’s taken on commentary duties for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), and has flourished in his role as a trainer and mentor. In March, he guided Jasmine Artiga to the WBA Women’s Super Flyweight Championship—one of the feel-good stories of the year. He’s also worked with rising lightweight contender Gabriel Flores Jr., sharing the wisdom that once made him the “Filipino Flash.”
Despite the time away and a growing role as a mentor and media figure, Donaire’s hunger for competition remains as strong as ever. Training fighters and calling fights isn’t quite the same as living the life. And Donaire’s desire to strap gold around his waist one more time has now pulled him back in.
The legend believes he has one last run in him, and he has another historic world title in his sights.
Not coincidentally, Donaire appeared at No. 5 in the most recent WBA bantamweight rankings.
The timing couldn’t be better.
Just this past weekend, WBA Bantamweight Champion Seiya Tsutsumi was forced to vacate his title following eye surgery. Interim titlist Antonio Vargas was elevated to full champion status and is now expected to defend his new title against former WBC champ Daigo Higa.
The door is wide open—and Donaire is well-positioned to kick it off the hinges.
Donaire attempted a comeback last year, and thought he had secured a dream bout with Roman “Chocolatito” González, but sources say that González pulled out of the bout.
A formal fight announcement from Donaire is expected soon.
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