One of boxing's living legends returns to the big stage looking to capture another world title on Saturday as Nonito Donaire challenges Nordine Oubaali for the WBC bantamweight title from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
Donaire steps back through the ropes for the first time since November 2019, losing in a spirited effort to top pound-for-pound fighter Naoya Inoue in the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight final. Before that, the former four-division world champion had a career resurgance, notching back-to-back stoppage wins over Ryan Burnett and Stephon Young to win the WBA (super) title. Donaire knows his back is against the wall.
“I have been an underdog a few times," Donaire said in a press release. "It’s a challenge for me and it motivates me a little bit but do I really care about being an underdog? No, because in my career I just make things happen. It’s not to prove anyone wrong but just to prove that I am still here. All that talk just flows past me and it doesn’t get into my head. The motivation for me is defeating this guy.”
The unknown Oubaali won the vacant WBC belt over Rau'shee Warren in Janaury 2019. Coming into this weekend's fight, Oubaali's made successful title defense against Arthur Villanueva and Takuma Inoue, respectively. Oubaali understands what Donaire's brought to the sport of boxing and looks forward to locking horns with him.
“Nonito Donaire is a big name and he’s been a world champion in a lot of different divisions," Oubaali said. "He’s strong, but I know what he can do and I know what my strategy is. I think we have similar styles, because we both like to stand and fight.
“He’s a strong fighter with a great technique, but I’m just going to do my best with whatever situations present themselves on fight night. My strength is being able to adapt to any style. I will feel the fight out. For me, boxing is like chess. Every time he makes a move, I have to counter it. I will respond to however Nonito comes forward and make the fight go the way I want it to.”
Can Donaire turn back the clock once again or does Oubaali secure the most significant win on his resume?
Here is everything you need to know about Nonito Donaire vs. Nordine Oubaali.
Nonito Donaire vs. Nordine Oubaali start time
- Date: Saturday, May 29
- Main card: 10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. BST
- Main event: 12 a.m. ET/5 a.m. BST
The Donaire vs. Oubaali main card kicks off at 10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. BST on Saturday night. Donaire and Oubaali will cap the main card, as they're expected to make their ring walks at approximately midnight ET, which would be 5 a.m. BST.
Donaire vs. Oubaali TV channel and live stream
- U.S.: Showtime
- U.K.: Fite TV
Donaire vs. Oubaali can be watched on Showtime or live streamed via Showtime's website or app in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the fight can be seen on Fite TV.
Nonito Donaire record and bio
- Nationality: Filipino
- Born: Nov. 16, 1982
- Height: 5-6
- Reach: 68 inches
- Total fights: 46
- Record: 40-6 with 26 knockouts
Nordine Oubaali record and bio
- Nationality: French
- Born: August 4, 1986
- Height: 5-3 1⁄2
- Reach: 67 inches
- Total fights: 17
- Record: 17-0 with 12 knockouts
Nonito Donaire vs. Nordine Oubaali main card
- Nonito Donaire vs. Nordine Oubaali for Oubaali’s WBC Bantamweight title
- Subriel Matias vs. Batyrzhan Jukembayev; IBF Junior Welterweight eliminator
- Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Jovanie Santiago; Junior Welterweight