Nonito Donaire suffers defeat against Riku Masuda in Yokohama, signaling possible passing of the torch in Bantamweight Division

In a clash that symbolized a meeting between generations, Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire was stopped by rising Japanese contender Riku Masuda in their bantamweight title eliminator on Sunday evening, March 15, in Yokohama. 

The bout highlighted the persistence of a veteran champion and the momentum of a younger challenger eager to establish himself among the division’s elite.

The fight came to a close in the eighth round after Donaire’s corner threw in the towel as the 43-year-old veteran absorbed a steady barrage from Masuda. 

The stoppage ended a difficult stretch for the four-division world champion, whose resilience kept him competitive despite the mounting pressure from the younger opponent.

Both fighters comfortably made the 118-pound bantamweight limit, weighing in at 117.8 pounds. However, as the fight wore on, Masuda’s pace and precision gradually shifted the momentum. 

Donaire’s corner ultimately stepped in at the 1:12 mark of the eighth round, deciding their fighter had taken enough punishment.

“The Filipino Flash” has now lost four of his last five fights, including a second-round TKO against then undisputed bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue in their highly anticipated rematch in 2022. 

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Nonito Donaire has had an incredible career, and it’s not over yet

1999 International Junior Olympics Gold

2001 Pro Debut Win, But Loses Second Fight

2007 First World Title At Flyweight

2007 The Ring ‘Upset’ & ‘KO Of The Year’ vs Vic Darchinyan

2011… pic.twitter.com/Lbi9JBDGe3

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 14, 2026

Donaire’s professional record now stands at 43-10 with 28 knockouts, fueling renewed discussion about whether the legendary fighter may soon step away from the sport.

At the time of the stoppage, Donaire trailed on all three scorecards. Judge Richard Blouin had it 67-64, while Raul Caiz and Kwan Ho Jang both scored it 68-63 in favor of Masuda, who is 15 years younger than the Filipino veteran.

Even while under pressure, Donaire still managed to remind fans why he has long been one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers. In a moment of resistance while trying to survive the onslaught, The Filipino Flash fired back with a sharp left hook followed by a right hand that briefly staggered the 28-year-old Masuda.

Masuda quickly regained control. His accuracy improved in the seventh round, and just before the bell he landed a straight left that sent Donaire to the canvas. The knockdown became the turning point of the fight, setting up the final push that forced Donaire’s corner to halt the contest in the following round.

The Japanese contender, now 10-1 with nine knockouts, began asserting control as early as the sixth round when he delivered a heavy shot that pushed Donaire back toward the ropes. 

Masuda’s lone career loss came against fellow Japanese fighter Seiya Tsutsumi, who defeated him by unanimous decision in August 2023 at the historic Korakuen Hall.

Incidentally, Donaire also faced Tsutsumi last December, losing a close split decision in another competitive bout.

For Masuda, the win marks a career-defining breakthrough that could push him closer to a world title opportunity in the bantamweight division. For Donaire, the result serves as another chapter in a long and decorated career—one that has inspired generations of fighters and fans.

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