ONE LAST SHOT: Donaire, 42, wants to stage a comeback, eyes WBA strap

Four-division champion Nonito Donaire seems to be getting bored that he has appealed to the World Boxing Association (WBA) that he be rated in the top five in the bantamweight division.

Donaire made his intentions clear during the ongoing WBA convention in Orlando, Florida, according to a report posted by boxingscene.

“I am Nonito Donaire and I am representing myself. I request to be in the top five so I can have another chance at the title,” Donaire, who held world titles at flyweight, bantam, super-bantam and feather, said to the amusement and surprise of those in attendance.

According to the report, the audience cheered and applauded when Donaire bared his plans.

It could not be determined if the WBA will heed Donaire’s request so he can be in a position to fight for the world title currently being held by Japanese Seiya Tsutsumi.

Arguably the most accomplished fighter of the Philippines next to Manny Pacquiao, Donaire last saw action in July 2023 when he failed in a bid to win the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) 118-lb crown, losing to Mexican Alejandro Santiago on a close but unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

A little over a year earlier, Naoya Inoue knocked him out in two rounds.

His last noteworthy fight was an impressive knockout of French-Moroccan Nordine Oubaali in May 2021 when he became the WBC bantam king.

Holding a 42-8 win-loss card with 28 knockouts, Donaire’s list of victims is notable.

Among those who bowed to the Bohol-born, US-raised puncher apart from Oubaali, includes Vic Darchinyan, Fernando Montiel, Hernan Marquez, Volodymr Sydolenko, Jorge Arce, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Toshiaki Nishioka, Cesar Juarez and Filipino Reymart Gaballo.

Now residing in Las Vegas, Donaire was named Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association three times. He was likewise once named by The Ring as its premier champion in the super-bantamweight ranks.

He turned professional in 2001 after a decorated amateur career in the United States alongside long-time rival and fellow Filipino-American Brian Viloria.