DONAIRE DROPS OUABAALI THRICE EN ROUTE TO A 4TH ROUND STOPPAGE; CHAMP AGAIN AT 38
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 30 May 2021
Nonito Donaire Jnr, at 38, shows the world that he still has it after he claimed the WBC bantamweight title by stopping Nordine Oubaali of France in the 4th round in a magical performarce at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Califronia Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) broadcast on Showtime.
After a feeling out first round, both the defending champion Oubaali and the four-division champion Donaire begun to work with Oubaali going forward, throwing his patented combinations and Doanire, wisened with 20 years in the ring, looking to counter with his lethal left hand.
In the third round, the left hand that the boxing world was too familiar with, connected once again that sent Ouabaali down to the canvas for the first time in his career. Sensing blood, Donaire put the pressure on Oubaali who did a good job in trying to survive but right at the end of the bell, Donaire connected with his left again that sent Ouabaali kissing the canvas for the second time. Veteran referee Jack Reiss took a good look at the Frenchman, who appeared badly hurt, but allowed him to continue to fight.
In the fateful 4th round, Donaire connected with a combination the the head and body of Oubaali finishing it up with another lethal left uppercut that dropped Ouabaali for good as Referee Jack Reiss waved off to stop the fight. Time: 1:52 of the 4th round.
Donaire thus became the oldest bantamweight champion dislodging fellow Filipino Gerry Penalosa who became the oldest to hold the title at 36 in 2007.
Donaire (41-6-0, 27KOs) said afterwards that his goal is to become the undisputed bantamweight champion and having a rematch with Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue who holds the WBA and IBF portion of the belts.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 JANUARY 2026: Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa End in No Contest; Raul Curiel Outpoints Jordan Panthen
By Eric Armit, Mon, 19 Jan 2026Ryan Daye ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Mon, 19 Jan 2026RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 Jan 2026MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
Sat, 17 Jan 2026NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
Fri, 16 Jan 2026SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 16 Jan 2026Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 15 Jan 2026Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Weights from Trenton, NJ
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
Thu, 15 Jan 2026