Aug 26, 2025
2 min read
Nonito Donaire may be 42 and past his prime years, but the four-division world champion is an interim beltholder at 118-pounds and now targets a showcase opportunity to finish 2025 as he readies himself for another crack at full world honours in the no...
ORLANDO, Florida — If Nonito Donaire had his way, his final push to earn another world title would land on one of the year's biggest cards remaining.
"I'm hoping to get on the undercard with Jake Paul and Tank," Donaire told The Ring.
Donaire, a four-division champion, is referring to the recently announced Gervonta Davis-Jake Paul exhibition come Nov. 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Donaire holds the interim WBA bantamweight title after a ninth-round technical decision win over Andres Campos on June 14.
"I think that would be a fun fight, it's a very entertaining fight, that's just something that puts my options out there."
Landing a spot on their undercard should be feasible given Donaire's existing relationship with Paul's company, Most Valuable Promotions. Donaire (43-8, 28 KOs) has been an analyst for MVP cards. That role comes with perks beyond pay.
"I actually got better as a fighter being a commentator. I can break everything down slowly and talk about it, and to me, it helps me out the way I look at my fighting and training."
Donaire, 42, is in limbo with the existing situation surrounding the WBA at 122 pounds. Antonio Vargas holds the full championship, and while Vargas-Donaire would naturally be the next step to eliminate an interim champion logic is often difficult to find.
Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs) was downgraded to champion in recess after being unable to make a timely title defense after his grueling 12-round fight with Daigo Higa, ending in a unanimous draw on February 24.
That led to Vargas being elevated from interim to full champion, after which Donaire won the interim belt as part of the sanctioning body's featured KO on Drugs weekend in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Vargas won the interim title in December with a 10th-round stoppage of Winston Guerrero (22-1, 13 KOs), and in his lone championship defense was held to a unanimous draw with Higa (21-3-3, 19 KOs) on July 30.
Regardless of the WBA's next direction, Donaire insists he's more than ready to face anyone — whether that's Vargas, Tsutsumi or another contender — on his return.
"I got great respect for them, but this is boxing," he said. "When it comes down to it, I fight everybody."
Analysis
Noticias de combate
Next
Jai Opetaia Defends Ring, IBF Cruiserweight Titles vs. Huseyin Cinkara On Dec. 6
Can you beat Coppinger?
Lock in your fantasy picks on rising stars and title contenders for a shot at $100,000 and exclusive custom boxing merch.
Partners
