Nonito Donaire has delivered a strong message to the rest of the bantamweight division that he cannot be overlooked even at 38 years old.

Donaire said he is “stronger than ever” as he captured the World Boxing Council title following a sensational fourth-round knockout win over Nordine Oubaali on Saturday, May 29 (Sunday, May 30, Manila time).

The Filipino sent the French champion to the ground thrice en route to the scintillating victory that made him the oldest boxer to win a bantamweight world championship.

“I came in here and I felt really good. Usually, I’ll go over my head, but today, I knew exactly what was going to happen, I knew exactly what I was going to do,” Donaire said.

“This one was something that I had proven to the world that I’m back and I’m stronger than ever.”

Flaunting the speed and power that earned him the moniker “Filipino Flash,” Donaire had Oubaali exactly right where he wanted the former titleholder to be.

Once he realized he can withstand the strength of Oubaali, Donaire went in for the kill and utilized his trusted left hook for the stoppage win.

Donaire said he knew the fight will not go the distance.

“I told the whole team that it was not going to go past the sixth round, not because I was cocky, but because I was very confident in my ability to know exactly what I need to do in there,” Donaire said.

Now, Donaire eyes a rematch versus undefeated Japanese Naoya Inoue as he seeks to become an undisputed champion – a feat he has yet to achieve in his storied boxing career.

Donaire lost to Inoue, the Wold Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation champion, via unanimous decision in November 2019.

But in order to become the undisputed champion, Donaire also needs to seize the World Boxing Organization belt, which is currently held by compatriot Johnriel Casimero.

“I’m here to fight anybody and I’ve always been that person. But my main goal is get the rematch and get the undisputed champion or whatever it is,” said the four-division titlist.  

“I’m coming after them.” – Rappler.com