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At 38, Donaire (41-6, 27 KO) has countryman Gerry Penalosa beaten by three years to take the record, picking up the WBC belt after a third knockdown of Oubaali saw referee Jack Reiss stop the fight in Carson, California.
The pros were, as you’d expect, once again supremely impressed by Donaire, who has put together an obvious Hall of Fame career, well beyond any idea of a minimum requirement. And he also remains one of the most genuinely respected, well-liked fighters we’ve seen in a long time; there’s nobody who doesn’t like Nonito Donaire.
So the glowing praise is expected, but it’s also sincere. Here’s what Tim Bradley, Andre Ward, and many others had to say about another incredible night in the career of “The Filipino Flash.”
Amazing performance by a living legend @filipinoflash . @ 38 years old he is now a 4 division world champion. Congratulations champ!
— Timothy Bradley Jr. (@Timbradleyjr) May 30, 2021
My brother @filipinoflash did it again ! Congrats Champion .
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) May 30, 2021
Fucking legend @filipinoflash pic.twitter.com/jvy5JBoVRM
— Rougarou (@RPrograis) May 30, 2021
FUCKING LEGEND!! @filipinoflash
— Robert Garcia Boxing (@GarciaBoxing) May 30, 2021
Congrats to the great @filipinoflash, one of the best in #boxing, in and out of the ring, and a future first ballot @BoxingHall of Famer.
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) May 30, 2021
Y’all know Donaire beat tf out of them lil guys especially the short ones!!!! he a true great
— Lamont Roach Jr (@OneOf1x) May 30, 2021
Nonito donaire
— Enzo Maccarinelli (@theRealEnzoMac) May 30, 2021
I’ve always liked Donaire. A lot of heart and he’s a great fighter. #DonaireOubaali
— Mykal(Michael) Fox (@ProfessorMyke) May 30, 2021