Who’s minding Donaire’s age?
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Nov 2021
WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. turned 39 yesterday but who’s counting? He surely doesn’t act his age in the ring. Donaire is a stickler for discipline and how he moved down from featherweight to bantamweight in claiming another world title is a rare feat. Manny Pacquiao captured eight crowns in different weight divisions but never dropped down. In Donaire’s case, he stared Mother Nature straight in the eye and defied the adage that the body gets bigger with age. Believe it or not, Donaire recently confided that he might just scale even lower to fight for the superflyweight belt because the 115-pound strap is missing in his collection.
So far, Donaire has won the IBF/IBO flyweight, WBC/WBO/WBA bantamweight, IBF/WBO superbantamweight and WBA featherweight titles. He took the vacant WBA interim superflyweight crown in 2009 and defended it twice but never got the recognition as a full-fledged champion. No doubt, Donaire is a shoo-in as a Hall of Famer but it’s not only because of his achievements as a fighter. He’s also made a case for himself as an advocate of clean sports, batting for voluntary 24/7 anti-doping tests and as a role model outside the ring. Donaire’s a family man who never compromises his principles.
On Dec. 11, Donaire will be back in the ring to stake his crown against countryman Reymart Gaballo in a mandatory defense at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, Los Angeles county. His record is 41-6, with 27 KOs and a win will put him closer to a rematch with super WBA/IBF unified ruler Naoya Inoue or a showdown with WBO titleholder JohnRiel Casimero. Donaire would’ve fought Casimero last August but backed out of the duel after Quadro Alas’ camp posted a video disrespecting the Filipino Flash’s wife Rachel who is also his manager and trainer. In a statement, Donaire said he withdrew for two reasons----first, because Casimero did not return documentation for VADA testing on time and second, because he wouldn’t give Casimero the “platform” or “payday” after disrespecting his wife.
Donaire’s position drew praise from Boxing News (London) writer George Gigney. “Donaire should be applauded for his stance on drug testing,” wrote Gigney. “Donaire’s support of his wife is nothing short of pure class. Trash talk is a part of the business but hurling personal abuse at a fighter’s loved ones is abhorment.” Casimero has since apologized for crossing the line and is now in respectful terms with Donaire. “Donaire could have retired years ago and still have been a lock for the Hall of Fame but he continues to pursue greatness, all with a smile on his face,” continued Gigney. “He’s a breed that’s not often seen in boxing anymore, a fighter who will seek out the biggest challenges no matter the odds and who will treat any and all opponents with the utmost respect. There’s no pageantry with Donaire, he just wants to fight the best and it’s a joy to watch him do it.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Nov 2025RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Rematch for the ages
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 18 Nov 2025"Limping" Boston Showing Famed Celtics Pride
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 18 Nov 2025IIEE-Trocio Engineers defeated Splashers Lawyers in the BPBL Opening
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025ThunderDome 52 Card Preview
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Los Angeles Lakers may be under NBA gambling Investigation
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 18 Nov 2025PLAYER+ and BIBA Announce Official Partnership
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Roberto Racasa Claims 7 Medals at Asia Open International Memory Championships in Hyderabad, India
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025Bacnotan Pickleball Club Marks First Anniversary With Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025