Donaire To Challenge WBC Champ Oubaali Next
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 06 Feb 2020
Filipino former multi-division world champion Nonito Donaire (40-6, 26 KO’s) will challenge undefeated WBC bantamweight world champion Nordine Oubaali (17-0, 12 KO’s) of France in another intriguing, tough battle for the popular Filipino-American superstar.
The date and venue are yet to be confirmed, though proven lion-heart warrior Nonito Donaire would fight anytime, anywhere. 👍👍
The mandatory rumble -- ordered by the WBC -- will be Oubaali's third defense of the word title he won by decisioning American 118-pounder Rau'shee Warren (16-3, 4 KO's) in Las Vegas in January of last year.
After becoming world champion, the 33-year-old Oubaali stopped Filipino King Arthur Villanueva (32-4-2, 18 KO's) last July, and then outpointed Nippon fighter Takuma Inoue (13-1, 3 KO's) last November in Saitama, Japan.
Nonito, 37, is next. 🔥🔥
One of the most popular Filipino fighters ever -- Donaire comes from a thrilling world title performance against Japanese "Monster" Naoya Inoue (19-0, 16 KO's) in November of last year, a riveting, stunning battle that claimed the 2019 Fight of the Year Award.
The Filipino -- born in Bohol in 1982 -- has been delighting fans since storming into boxing's world stage in 2007, stopping and dethroning former strong-man Vic Darchinyan.
Since then, has captured a jaw-dropping total of eight world titles in five different weight classes, and wants more.
The author with Nonito Donaire Jr., his brother and his dad Nonnito Donaire Sr., in 2008 at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Will Nonito deliver yet another awesome performance to claim the glory of another world title in boxing, making a case for a possible future inclusion into boxing's hall of fame?
Or will the unbeaten French WBC Bantamweight World Champion, two-time Olympian Nordine Oubaali have the fighting talent and skills to defeat the cool, lighting-fast "The Filipino Flash?"
We'll find out, and May the Best Man Win. 🔥🔥
The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a veteran boxing reporter living in Asia since 1991. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
Wed, 11 Feb 2026Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
Wed, 11 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Wed, 11 Feb 2026IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 11 Feb 2026