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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider 'Happier and motivated': Donaire confident ahead of title eliminator fight

'Happier and motivated': Donaire confident ahead of title eliminator fight

Published Mar 11, 2026 12:24 pm  |  Updated Mar 11, 2026 02:02 pm

At A Glance

  • That's what the camp of the Filipino flash feels like ahead of the title eliminator against Japanese contender Riku Masuda in Yokohama, Japan on March 15.
Nonito Donaire Jr.
Nonito Donaire Jr.

A happy Nonito Donaire Jr. is a dangerous Donaire.

That’s what the camp of the Filipino Flash feels like ahead of the title eliminator against Japanese contender Riku Masuda in Yokohama, Japan on March 15.

“I'm very motivated because this is not only the fight (I’m looking at). I'm aiming for something bigger in the future,” said Donaire during his media workout at the Yokohama Hikari Gym.

At stake in the contest is a chance to challenge current champion World Boxing Association (WBA) king Seiya Tsutsumi.

More than that, Donaire is seeking a chance for history — by becoming the oldest bantamweight champion in history. To do that, however, the 43-year-old veteran needs to survive Masuda, who like Donaire, is seeking a rematch against Tsusumi.

But his team is pretty much confident that Donaire has plenty of gas left in his tank.

“It's a big possibility that Nonito will knock him out,” said Donaire’s trainer, Gabriel Flores Sr.

“This is a whole different Nonito Donaire you're going to see on the 15th. I think the biggest part is that he's happy. We're laughing. I mean, it's a good time and we're training hard and we're really focused on it,” he added.

For Donaire, the difference at this point of his career is that there’s less pressure heading to the fight, allowing to be more relaxed and focused.

“I think the biggest difference is I'm enjoying my moments,” said Donaire, who is coming into the contest as the underdog.

“Before there's pressure. There's this expectation because of me, because of my name. Now this time, I'm just having fun and I know what I'm capable of,” he added.

“And I trust with confidence what I'm capable of. And because, you know, we brought it all out in the training camp.”

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