Philippines, 24 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Donaire, Dasmariñas in world title bids


PhilBoxing.com



Donaire (L) and Dasmariñas.

Two Filipinos are lined up to fight for world titles as Nonito Donaire, Jr. takes on WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali of France on May 29 and Michael Dasmariñas battles super WBA/IBF bantamweight king Noaya Inoue on June 19 with venues still to be confirmed. It’s likely the thrice-postponed Donaire-Oubaali bout will be held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut while Inoue will stake his belts in Las Vegas.

Donaire, 38, is gunning for his 10th world crown after collecting the IBF/IBO flyweight, interim WBA superflyweight, super WBA/WBC/WBO bantamweight, IBF/WBO superbantamweight and WBA featherweight straps. “For how, I’m focusing on the bantamweight division and I want all four belts,” said Donaire. Oubaali, 34, is no stranger to Donaire as they’ve sparred in the past. “Oubaali can box and fight and can be difficult to hit,” noted Donaire. “But he hasn’t fought anyone with my power.”

Oubaali, a two-time Olympian, is rich in amateur experience but as a pro, he’s a novice compared to Donaire. The Frenchman has a 17-0 record, with 12 KOs while Donaire boasts a 40-6 mark, with 26 KOs. Donaire turned pro in 2001, 13 years before Oubaali’s debut. Oubaali is a “stamina” fighter and a volume puncher who uses the amateur style to pile up points. Former US Olympic boxing coach Kenny Adams said Oubaali is “nothing special but he’s tough.” Oubaali is Donaire’s stepping stone for a rematch with Inoue. Both Donaire and Oubaali haven’t fought since they were on the same card in Saitama in November 2019 when the Filipino Flash lost to Inoue and the Frenchman outpointed the Japanese champion’s brother Takuma.

Dasmariñas, 28, is the IBF’s No. 1 contender who hasn’t lost in his last 13 outings since 2014. MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said, “Michael has a very hard fight and I hope for the best … he just needs to get in really fantastic shape, have good sparring and a good fight plan and box and use angles with Inoue … Inoue is easy to hit and Michael needs to box smart and not get into a toe-to-toe battle early … win the little strategic battles to win the war.” Dasmariñas’ record is 30-2-1, with 20 KOs. Inoue, 27, totes a 20-0 slate, with 17 KOs. With long, spindly arms, the 5-7 Dasmariñas is two inches taller than Inoue and is a smaller version of Tommy Hearns.

Dasmariñas’ manager Art Monis said the plan is to leave for Las Vegas early next month. “Todo training si Michael,” said Monis who set up camp in La Union. “Ka-sparring niya si Carl Jammes Martin hanggang April 15 at may laban si Martin ng May 1. Nakuha ko si Ken Jordan as sparring partner simula April 20. Maganda sana ka-sparring si K. J. Cataraja kaso manganganak Misis niya this month at ‘di niya maiwanan so naghanap pa ako ng ibang kanan na mabilis. Pinaginsayo ni Michael na mabuti ang counter straight at body shot at biglang hook.”


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • San Diego’S Boxing Stars Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour to Headline the Inaugural Edition of Sd Fight Night on April 18, 2026, at Frontwave Arena
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Fighting for NBA Americas title
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Integrated Sports to distribute ‘The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One PPV’ on Sunday, March 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • 125 climbers reach Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Opening Round Bouts Set for Team USA at 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Mon, 23 Feb 2026
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Set to Compete at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria
    , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • SMEP, SAEP round 6 standoff in PTC WED NEMO 4th D’ Engineers Chess Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • “Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • "Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Pacman bout details revealed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.