Nonito Donaire Might Squeeze Back To 118, Says Schaefer

[Ruthless-RKO]

Last month, former four division world champion Nonito Donaire suffered a one-sided twelve round decision loss to Carl Frampton at the SSE Arena in Belfast.

The last two bouts for Donaire (38-5, 24 KOs) have taken place at the featherweight limit of 126-pounds, but he would prefer to drop down in weight.

Although a few years ago he captured the WBA belt at 126, his speed and power has not been the same at the higher weight.

Donaire has not been at bantamweight since 2011, when he won lopsided decision over Omar Narvaez.

He moved up the following year and captured the vacant WBO super bantamweight title with a win over Omar Narvaez.

Donaire is now promoted by Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports.

Schaefer is speaking with his boxer about the idea of heading down to 118-pounds.

“One thing that seems to be very clear, he doesn’t really belong at 126lbs, he just doesn’t have the power to hurt at 126lbs, like he does at 122 and particularly 118. We actually are discussing for Nonito potentially going back down to 118 and maybe give it another run there and see where it goes," Schaefer told Boxing News.

One of the Schaefer's other fighters is going for the vacant WBC title in the next few weeks.

Should he win, the first defense may come against Donaire. Of course, Oubaali may very well get approached to join the planned World Boxing Super Series tournament at 118, which already has four world champions involved.

“One of my guys Nordine Oubaali with Ringstar France and he will be fighting for the WBC 118lbs world title against the Thai challenger [Tassana Sanpattan], most likely on Tony Yoka’s next card, June 23 in France,” Schaefer said.

“So hopefully Oubaali wins and I could maybe see Donaire challenging Oubali for a WBC title at 118 in France. That’s one idea.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

I'd rather the WBC champion enter the WBSS.. Donaire can by all means enter it..

He could challenger Dogboe at Super-bant?

[jamamb]

ya id rather the wbc champ enter the wbss

[Ruthless-RKO]

ya id rather the wbc champ enter the wbss

We need all the belts in. It's the only one left.

[jamamb]

also he says yoka is fighting in june, well um did that 1 year ban mean f@ck all then?

[SenorPipino]

Donaire is 35.

It's unlikely he can squeeze back down to 118 after 7 years, and still have any juice left in his tank.

Losing weight isn't always the answer. Sometimes it's simply skills eroding with age.

Donaire hasn't been a major player since he was beaten by Rigo back in 2013.

His name and previous reputation seems to keep him in the hunt for big fight opportunities.

But it appears that Donaire is just being milked and that winning any title at 118 or up, is simply a pipe dream.

[JCS]

This could work.. but only for a short time. Age stops for nobody.

Recent history is littered with guys who did this the wrong way though... Oscar and Chris Byrd immediately come to mind.

[Boxing Prospect]

also he says yoka is fighting in june, well um did that 1 year ban mean f@ck all then?

Was a suspended ban I think... Which is essentially fornicate all punishment

[gilgamesh]

Makes no difference. His days as an Elite are over. He's still a quality fighter, and a tough out for most fighters, but he ain't gonna be a top guy anymore.