Nonito Donaire Jr should be a first-ballot hall-of-famer, and is one of the greatest fighters in the lower weight divisions, ever. On July 29th, Donaire lost to Alexandro Santiago in a bid for the vacant bantamweight world title. At 40-years-old, most thought that his career was finished, but that is not the case.
Recently Donaire took to Un Round Mas to reveal that his spot in the hall-of-fame has to be delayed a little bit longer.
"Right now I have too [many] injuries," said Donaire on Un Round Mas. "So right now I want to take a year or year-and-a-half to heal all of my body, and come back strong."
Donaire in essence confirmed there are still plans for him to come back after his body heals from injuries and then continue to fight at 118lbs or 122lbs, but Donaire was clear that he had to feel healthy first and foremost before he enters the ring.
"No dates, no plans yet," stated Donaire who is coming back. "After I [heal from my injuries], and my body is good and I have no problem punching. I might decide to go and get those fights."
As the names of top contenders in the super bantamweight division were mentioned to Donaire each seemed to get a smile from the legendary boxer who seemingly still has the joy he had when he first picked up a pair of gloves. Donaire made it clear that when he says his career is over, it will be over and that he is not going to leave the sport until he has moved on.
"That'd be perfect," said Donaire when it was referenced that the super bantamweight division has big names currently. "I love it, I love those fights. Again, my purpose is to create those [experiences], because when I say no mas [no more] for boxing, no more I am not coming back."
Donaire in 2019 was a part of the best fight of that year when he lost a close fight to Naoya Inoue, widely considered one of the best boxers of the modern generation. Since then, Donaire regained a world title in 2021 before hitting his current two-fight losing streak. It is also the first time in his career he has had back-to-back losses as well.
It appears 2024 or even 2025 might see the return of the Filipino Flash.
