Nonito Donaire to take on bantamweight world champ Nordine Oubaali in May

Former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire is set to face WBC world bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali in the main event of Showtime Championship Boxing tripleheader on May 29 at a yet-to-be-announced venue, Boxing Scene reports.

The pair was supposed to meet inside the ring last December but the French champion had been pulled out of the fight after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Donaire was then given a fight for the interim title against Emmanuel Rodriguez as a replacement, but tested positive for COVID-19 as well.

The 38-year-old Donaire, who holds a record of 40-6 with 26 knockouts, is coming off a fight of the year unanimous decision loss at the hands of Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue last November 2019.

Oubaali, meanwhile, holds an unblemished record of 17-0 with 12 knockouts and has previously fought and beat another Filipino pug in Arthur Villanueva. His upcoming fight with Donaire will mark the third defense of his gold-plated strap.

On Instagram, the Oubaali posted a photo and wrote in French that he "can't wait to defend my title."

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Nordine Oubaali-OLY (@nordineoubaali)

Earlier on Twitter meanwhile, Donaire was clear about his intent: "I am snatching that WBC belt come May 2021."

For a "retired" fighter, I'm sure damn in the gym alot. Lol. Ya'll got took by someone on twitter doing an April fool's joke yesterday. So let me just be clear:
I am snatching that WBC belt come May 2021.
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So in a non-note, here is Jarel dancing. ???? pic.twitter.com/g72bz6fap7

— Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) April 2, 2021

— LA, GMA News