Nonito Donaire suffered a split decision loss to WBA bantamweight champion Seiya Tsutsumi in Tokyo on December 17.
At 43, Donaire put up a strong fight against the 29-year-old Japanese champion, but two of the three judges favored Tsutsumi.
Donaire won 116-112 on one card, while Tsutsumi secured 117-111 and 115-113 to retain his title.
A victory would have made Donaire the third-oldest world champion in history, behind Bernard Hopkins and George Foreman.
With the loss, Donaire’s record fell to 43-9, while Tsutsumi improved to 13-0-3 with eight knockouts.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 19, 2025
NONITO DONAIRE DEFEATED VIA SPLIT DECISION BY JAPANESE OPPONENT
You might be interested in
Latest from Sport
The Philippine Basketball Association will adopt selected FIBA officiating rules, including the use of the possession
Rene Baterbonia, the 18-year-old basketball standout and 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP who died in a drowning
Seven distinguished athletes were inducted into the 5th Philippine Sports Hall of Fame during an enshrinement
Michele Ortolani of Italy captured the 2026 BingoPlus Philippine ADT Open title after firing a final-round
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala pulled off one of the biggest victories of her career after