Legendary Filipino fighter Nonito Donaire is making his return to the ring after Manny Pacquiao officially stepped out of retirement. The four-division world champion will compete for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title on June 14 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, facing a younger opponent, Andres Campos from Chile.
“The Filipino Flash is back,” the WBA announced in a social media post. Donaire, with a record of 42 wins, 8 losses, and 28 knockouts, will return after nearly two years away from the sport. His last fight was in July 2023, where he suffered a decision loss to Alexandro Santiago in a World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight title match.
The WBA sanctioned the Donaire-Campos bout for the interim title after Japanese fighter Seiya Tsutsumi was designated as “champion in recess.” Campos, 28, boasts a record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with six knockouts to his name.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao, 46, is preparing to challenge World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 19. In his last fight, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) lost by points to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. Barrios, 30, from Texas, holds a record of 29 wins and 2 losses, with 18 knockouts.