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Tag: Nonito Donaire

  • John Riel Casimero believes Nonito Donaire’s career has come to an end after the loss to Riku Masuda

    John Riel Casimero believes Nonito Donaire’s career has come to an end after the loss to Riku Masuda

    In a clash that symbolized a meeting of generations in the boxing world, Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire was stopped by rising Japanese contender Riku Masuda in a highly anticipated bantamweight title eliminator held on Sunday evening, March 15, in Yokohama, Japan.

     

    The bout, which pitted Donaire’s vast experience against Masuda’s youthful vigor, ultimately ended in the eighth round after the veteran’s corner decided to throw in the towel. At 43 years old, Donaire absorbed a steady barrage of punches from the relentless Masuda, who showcased speed, accuracy, and determination throughout the fight. The corner intervened at the 1:12 mark of the eighth round, signaling that the Filipino icon had taken enough punishment and prioritizing his safety over continuing the contest.

     

    The stoppage marked a poignant moment in Donaire’s illustrious career. Known as “The Filipino Flash,” Donaire has been one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters, earning multiple world titles across different weight classes and establishing himself as a respected figure in boxing history. Yet, on this night, it was the younger Masuda who controlled the pace, landing combinations that consistently tested the veteran’s defense.

     

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    Following the fight, fellow Filipino boxing star and former World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero weighed in on the outcome. Casimero, speaking to the media, suggested that Donaire’s career might have reached its natural conclusion, praising the Filipino for his achievements while acknowledging the physical limits that come with age.

    “He doesn’t have anything more to prove. I knew in the sixth round that he was no longer in the fight and that he could get seriously hurt,” Casimero said. His remarks reflected the sentiment shared by many boxing fans and analysts who recognize that Donaire’s contributions to the sport are already legendary.

     

    Despite the loss, Donaire’s legacy remains untarnished. Over his decades-long career, he has been celebrated not only for his skill and tenacity inside the ring but also for his sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. The bout against Masuda, while a setback, underscores the reality that in boxing, every fighter faces the inevitable challenge of passing the torch to the next generation.

     

    Masuda, meanwhile, used the fight to cement his rising status in the bantamweight division, demonstrating poise and power that could see him challenge for major titles in the near future. For fans of the sport, the match was both a farewell moment for one of boxing’s veterans and a glimpse at the promising talent poised to shape the division in the years ahead.

     

    As the boxing community reflects on the fight, discussions about Donaire’s career trajectory and his future—whether in the ring or as a mentor for the next generation—will continue, highlighting the enduring impact of one of the Philippines’ greatest sporting icons.

     

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  • Nonito Donaire suffers defeat against Riku Masuda in Yokohama, signaling possible passing of the torch in Bantamweight Division

    Nonito Donaire suffers defeat against Riku Masuda in Yokohama, signaling possible passing of the torch in Bantamweight Division

    In a clash that symbolized a meeting between generations, Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire was stopped by rising Japanese contender Riku Masuda in their bantamweight title eliminator on Sunday evening, March 15, in Yokohama. 


    The bout highlighted the persistence of a veteran champion and the momentum of a younger challenger eager to establish himself among the division’s elite.

     

    The fight came to a close in the eighth round after Donaire’s corner threw in the towel as the 43-year-old veteran absorbed a steady barrage from Masuda. 

     

    The stoppage ended a difficult stretch for the four-division world champion, whose resilience kept him competitive despite the mounting pressure from the younger opponent.

     

    Both fighters comfortably made the 118-pound bantamweight limit, weighing in at 117.8 pounds. However, as the fight wore on, Masuda’s pace and precision gradually shifted the momentum. 

     

    Donaire’s corner ultimately stepped in at the 1:12 mark of the eighth round, deciding their fighter had taken enough punishment.

     

    “The Filipino Flash” has now lost four of his last five fights, including a second-round TKO against then undisputed bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue in their highly anticipated rematch in 2022. 

     

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    Donaire’s professional record now stands at 43-10 with 28 knockouts, fueling renewed discussion about whether the legendary fighter may soon step away from the sport.

     

    At the time of the stoppage, Donaire trailed on all three scorecards. Judge Richard Blouin had it 67-64, while Raul Caiz and Kwan Ho Jang both scored it 68-63 in favor of Masuda, who is 15 years younger than the Filipino veteran.

     

    Even while under pressure, Donaire still managed to remind fans why he has long been one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers. In a moment of resistance while trying to survive the onslaught, The Filipino Flash fired back with a sharp left hook followed by a right hand that briefly staggered the 28-year-old Masuda.

     

    Masuda quickly regained control. His accuracy improved in the seventh round, and just before the bell he landed a straight left that sent Donaire to the canvas. The knockdown became the turning point of the fight, setting up the final push that forced Donaire’s corner to halt the contest in the following round.

     

    The Japanese contender, now 10-1 with nine knockouts, began asserting control as early as the sixth round when he delivered a heavy shot that pushed Donaire back toward the ropes. 

    Masuda’s lone career loss came against fellow Japanese fighter Seiya Tsutsumi, who defeated him by unanimous decision in August 2023 at the historic Korakuen Hall.

     

    Incidentally, Donaire also faced Tsutsumi last December, losing a close split decision in another competitive bout.

     

    For Masuda, the win marks a career-defining breakthrough that could push him closer to a world title opportunity in the bantamweight division. For Donaire, the result serves as another chapter in a long and decorated career—one that has inspired generations of fighters and fans.

     

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