Nonito Donaire Returns at Age 42 and Wins WBA Bantamweight Title in A Technical Bloodfest

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Bueno Aires, Argentina (June 15th, 2025)– The Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire, is back after 21 months of inactivity. Fighting a Chilean in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Donaire, age 42, 43-8 with 22 knockouts, Las Vegas, Nevada, by way of the Philippines, claimed the interim World Boxing Association World Bantamweight title by bloody technical decision on Saturday, June 14, 2025, one minute into the ninth round over Andres Campos, now 17-3-1 with six knockouts, Santiago de Chile, Chile, after an accidental clash of heads left Donaire cut and unable to see out of his right eye due to a deep cut over his right eyebrow.

Head butts eventually turned the match into a blood fest. Donaire relied on his right hand and left hook combination to defeat flyweight contender Campos, who moved up in weight for this opportunity. There were two head butts in the first round, and another clash of heads in the sixth round. Campos had a decent left hook, just got outworked by Donaire prior to the bout ending fourth butt.

“Sorry that this happened. I wanted to show my fighting heart and warrior spirit to the people of Argentina. Next time, I will give it all and do my best. Today, this is my victory and also Argentina’s victory for this opportunity,” remarked Donaire after the odd comeback result earned him another world title.

The result was Nonito Donaire won by Technical Decision in nine rounds over Andres Campos, and won the interim World Boxing Association Bantamweight title by scores of 88-83, 87-84, and 87-84. The referee was Luis Pabon.

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].