‘Eyes forward’: Donaire set for March return vs Japan’s Masuda

MANILA, Philippines — Following a tough split-decision loss in December last year, Nonito Donaire will return to the ring in March.

The 43-year-old Donaire, who absorbed a contested defeat against Seiya Tsutsumi in December last year, will be taking on Riku Masuda on March 15 in Yokohama, Japan.

“Eyes forward. I’ve been back in the gym since December 24 — no announcements, no shortcuts, just work,” he posted on Instagram on Wednesday.

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The bout will be a WBA title eliminator match, he said, under Teiken promotions.

“Grateful beyond measure for the opportunity. This is what discipline prepares you for,” Donaire said.

“Same hunger. Same purpose. Different chapter. March 15. We move.”

As of the December WBA rankings, Donaire is the No. 1 contender for the WBA title, with Masuda at fourth.

Last year, the Filipino-American fighter won the WBA interim bantamweight belt after beating Andres Campos.

And now, he will try to have another shot at breaking his own record as the oldest bantamweight champion in history.

Meanwhile, Ring Magazine reported that a WBO flyweight world championship clash between Anthony Olascuaga and Jukiya Iimura will headline the Japan card.

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