It Is Time for Nordine Oubaali to Hang Up The Gloves Once And For All
Former WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali (17-2, 12 KOs) decided to give boxing one last go. But his return to the ring was not a good one as he lost a split decision to unheralded Nicaraguan Ricardo Martinez (10-9, 6 KOs) in an eight-round junior featherweight contest. The bout occurred on the undercard of Debora Anahi Dionicius – Segolene Lefebre in Douai, France. One has to wonder if this is finally the end for Oubaali as a fighter.
THE CAREER TREK
Oubaali was considered one the better lower-ranked fighters around. Wins over Rau’shee Warren, Arthur Villanueva, and Takuma Inoue had established him as legit and someone of substance. There was even talk of the fighter from France engaging in a bantamweight unification showdown with then-fellow 118 pound champion Naoya Inoue.
But then came the evening of May 29, 2021, when Oubaali faced the future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire. Oubaali was out-boxed and overpowered by Donaire in four rounds as he lost the WBC bantamweight title.
In April 2022, Oubaali announced his retirement due to issues with double vision. But he caught the boxing itch and made the ill-fated comeback against Martinez.
By most standards, Oubaali has had a very successful career. But in the loss to Martinez, he was knocked down twice and didn’t look close to the fighter of his world championship days. At age 36, it’s pretty clear he needs to exit the sport and call it a day for good.
