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'Same hunger, different chapter:' Donaire relaunches shot at history with March title eliminator

Sports | Boxing

'Same hunger, different chapter:' Donaire relaunches shot at history with March title eliminator

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Filipino boxing great Nonito Donaire Jr. continues to push his limits when he seeks another shot at making history by becoming the oldest bantamweight champion.

Same hunger. Same purpose. Different chapter.

Filipino boxing great Nonito Donaire Jr. continues to push his limits when he seeks another shot at making history by becoming the oldest bantamweight champion.

At 43 years old, the veteran pug is fighting in another title eliminator fight, this time against Japanese Riku Masuda in Yokohama, Japan on March 15.

Donaire is now fighting his third bout in nine months following a lengthy hiatus and a victory would interestingly earn him another shot at World Boxing Association (WBA) king Seiya Tsutsumi.

Donaire and Tsutsumi figured in a bloody duel just last December with the defending champion narrowly escaping with the victory against the latter.

“Eyes forward. I’ve been back in the gym since December 24 — no announcements, no shortcuts, just work,” said Donaire in an Instagram post.

“Grateful beyond measure for the opportunity. This is what discipline prepares you for. Respect to everyone who helped make today professional and sharp — from the lighting to the sound to the cameras,” he added.

Donaire retained his No.1 spot in the WBA bantamweight ranking following the valiant fight, paving the way to the duel against the No. 4 ranked Masuda.

The Filipino pug, no doubt, is the more seasoned fighter, evident with his 42-9 record with 28 knockouts though the Japanese boxer posts a dangerous threat despite his 9-1 record with eight knockouts.

The bout serves as part of the undercard for the main event — World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight championship between Anthony Olascuaga and Jukiya Iimura.

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