By REYNALD MAGALLON
Nonito Donaire Jr. hit the comeback trail and immediately put himself in line for a title fight after claiming the interim version of the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight crown following a technical unanimous decision victory over Andres Campos in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Sunday, June 15 (Manila time).
An accidental headbutt that left Donaire with a bloody cut just above his right eye halted the fight at the ninth round, bringing the decision to the judges scorecards which the 42-year-old Filipino dominated 87-84, 87-84 and 88-83.
The victory not only allowed Donaire to make a successful comeback after being idle for two years but also improved his record to 43-8 with 28 knockouts. He also earned the right to challenge the winner between regular champion Antonio Vargas of the United States and Daigo Higa of Japan on July 30.
Donaire also stopped a two-fight skid after losing back-to-back to Naoya Inoue and Alexandro Santiago in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Campos absorbed his third loss in the last six fights, dropping to a 17-3-1 record.
Though unable to see on his right eye after the fight due to the cut, it was undeniable that the four-division world champion was the better fighter after dictating the tempo for the majority of the bout.
Donaire did show some rust in the first few rounds but managed to assert his size and reach advantage to land slick combinations that stopped Campos on his tracks every time he charges in.
Donaire then shifted his point of attack to Campos body entering the second half of the bout, hurting the Chilean fighter. Campos was retaliating but the accidental headbutts were stopping either fighter’s momentum.
Donaire then squeezed through a booming right to the chin on the eighth though Campos proved sturdy enough to withstand the hit and still engage the four-division champion to an exchange.
The clash of heads once again happened on the ninth this time leaving Donaire with a cut on the right eyelid, impairing his vision. The ringside physician had a look at the cut and advised the referee to stop the fight.
