Nonito Donaire Makes History Stops Oubaali In Four

The King has returned, as Nonito Donaire became a three-time Bantamweight champion by stopping unbeaten Nordine Oubaali in four rounds to close out the Showtime broadcast Saturday night.

The time of 1:52 of round four as the “Flipino Flash” at age 38 and 204 days makes history, as the oldest man ever to become a champion at Bantamweight. An incredible feat considering great fighters don’t make it that long at that age and at this high of a level at that low of a weight.

This WBC Bantamweight title contest closed out the Dignity Health Sports Complex card from Carson, California. And, it was a much-delayed one that was slated to take place last year but was scrapped due to the pandemic.

Once the opening bell started, Oubaali seemed to be a little timid in the ring which would not help him with the pressuring and attacking style of Donaire.

As the fight progressed, Oubaali was sent down in the third round by a nasty left hand and was the first time in his pro career. He was sent down at again at the end of the round with a punch that was at least one second after the bell. Oubaali was stunned, but able to beat the count of referee Jack Reiss to officially end the round. As the bell ended the round and he got up, Oubaali had no idea where his corner was.

It was not a god sign from here.

History made ✅ @filipinoflash is champion again! #OubaaliDonaire pic.twitter.com/Kjwgq9WqGp

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 30, 2021

In the fourth Oubaali was sent down, again, with a thunderous left uppercut and after this knockdown, Reiss mercifully called this fight over. Thus, Donaire was once again world champion.

“Being at this age isn’t really the question, it’s about the performance. What I learned from the Inoue fight is that I’m back. I’m ready for the next one,” Donarie said to Showtime’s Jim Gray after the fight winning despite Father time.

The goal for Donaire is simple: to become undisputed and he mentioned he wanted a rematch with Naoya “The Monster” Inoue.

Those two fought a great 12 round battle won by the Monster in December of 2019. And, I’m in for all of this and we’ll see what happens at 118 pounds.