Nonito Donaire Jr. walked into the ring in Tokyo chasing history. He walked out feeling the sting of defeat.
At 43, the Filipino Flash was bidding to become the oldest bantamweight champion in boxing history. However, he fell short, edged by Seiya Tsutsumi via split decision by scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 117-111. With the victory, the Japanese fighter retained his WBA bantamweight belt.
Donaire Shows Plenty of Fight
Despite the loss, Donaire showed he had plenty of fight left even at 43. His timing and savvy continue to be exceptional, and his left hook remains dangerous. Donaire, in fact, was superb in the early rounds, alternately stalking Tsutsumi and waiting for him to get inside for well-placed counters.
However, the former multi-division world champion lost steam in the latter rounds, allowing the younger Tsutsumi to come along and do major work in the second half of the fight. Even with the win, the Japanese fighter was gracious enough to admit that Donaire had his number early.
“We didn’t know which way it might go,” said Tsutsumi. “But Nonito Donaire, thank you so much for fighting me, you are great. I was behind, but this is not my first time being behind and then coming back to beat my opponent.”
Tsutsumi Was the Better Fighter, But Donaire Could Be Back
Tsutsumi, 28, fought with the hunger of a man trying to carve his name into the sport. He pressed, he countered, and he did just enough to sway two of the judges. Yet even in victory, the Japanese fighter admitted what everyone watching already knew—Donaire was no easy prey. The veteran’s timing, his left hook, and his sheer will kept the fight razor-close.
Even in defeat, Donaire showed why he is considered among the all-time greats in the sport. Yes, he looked slower and less explosive, but he didn’t look like a relic clinging to relevance. Instead, he fought like a warrior who still had fire in his fists, even against a younger, fresher opponent. That matters. In a sport where legends often fade badly, Donaire showed that age can be a weapon when paired with experience and guile.
With his respectable showing against Tsutsumi, expect Donaire to fight again, maybe even for another crack at a world title. Tsutsumi’s path, meanwhile, appears more set as he could be slated to meet WBA bantamweight “champion in recess,” Antonio Vargas, next.
