Its Time; Nonito Donaire Has Proven Enough to Retire with Pride
It seems Father Time has arrived for Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (43-10, 28 KOs), who now has the look of a fighter who can no longer compete at an elite level. Despite showing heart against Riku Masuda, it appears the former world champion just doesn’t have it anymore. Ideally, Donaire should retire and face his next challenge outside the ring.
Donaire was stopped in eight rounds by Masuda (10-1, 9 KOs) at the Yokohama Buntai Arena in what was a WBA world bantamweight title eliminator. The Filipino Flash got off to a decent start. However, as early as round four, age began to rear its ugly head for the 43-year-old veteran. His situation worsened in the fifth round when he suffered a cut from an accidental headbutt, making the task even more difficult.
Masuda eventually took firm control of the fight. In round seven, he dropped Donaire with a sharp straight left to the chin. Battered and bloodied, Donaire tried to continue, but the writing was already on the wall. Recognizing the punishment their fighter had taken, Donaire’s corner threw in the towel during the following round, signaling the end of the contest.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Donaire is a multi-division world champion and widely regarded as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Over the course of his career, he delivered countless memorable performances and thrilling knockouts that cemented his place among the sport’s great lower-weight fighters. Unfortunately, this loss marks his second consecutive defeat, and the effects of Father Time appear undeniable.
At this stage, Donaire has nothing left to prove inside the ring. Rather than continue risking his health, the legendary Filipino star would be wise to step away from the sport, ride off into the boxing sunset, and enjoy the legacy he has already secured.
Nonito, at this stage of your career, you have nothing left to prove. You have made us Filipinos proud of our country many times over. Thank you for all you’ve done for the sport of boxing (I’ll never forget the first time you knocked out the extremely tough and then current World Flyweight champion Darchinyan), and for our country.