Nonito Donaire welcomes possible showdown with Roman Gonzalez

Nonito Donaire has welcomed a potential fight with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, especially after Gonzalez’s recent bantamweight debut, where he stopped Rober Barrera in the 10th round in Nicaragua, ending a year-and-a-half hiatus from the sport.

Donaire sees a matchup with Gonzalez as compelling, given their similar ages and accomplishments in the sport, as both are likely future Hall of Famers.

“Hopefully, it is a fight we can make happen,” Donaire said. “In my last two fights, I haven’t done anything great. So maybe they are willing to face me this time.”

Donaire (42-8, 28 KOs), 41, originally from the Philippines but now residing in Las Vegas, was last seen in the ring on July 29, losing a vacant WBC bantamweight title fight to Alejandro Santiago on the Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. pay-per-view undercard. Despite this loss, Donaire expressed his desire to continue fighting. Prior to this, he was stopped by Naoya Inoue in the second round, following their epic 2019 encounter that earned ‘Fight of the Year’ honors.

Donaire is open to any weight class to make the fight possible, interpreting Gonzalez’s (52-4, 42 KOs), 37, of Managua, Nicaragua, bantamweight debut as a test of the weight class. Donaire has shown willingness to go below the bantamweight limit, having come in at 117 pounds and some change for his last seven fights dating back to 2018.

“I’m good with that, if he’s good with that,” Donaire said. “If not, we’ll make something where he’s comfortable with.”

Reflecting on their careers, Donaire sees a potential bout with Gonzalez as a “super-fight” between two of the best from the lower weight classes in the modern era. Both Donaire and Gonzalez have held world titles in four divisions, with Gonzalez starting slightly smaller, winning titles in the strawweight, junior flyweight, flyweight, and junior bantamweight divisions. In contrast, Donaire secured titles in the flyweight, junior bantamweight, bantamweight, and junior featherweight divisions.

“This is a fun fight. This is what I’m all about,” Donaire said. “We’re about the same age or maybe I’m a little bit older, but ultimately, we’ve done our job and showcased our ability throughout the years. I think it’s something that neither of us have any advantage on. I think this is something that can be a really terrific fight.”

Donaire elaborated on why the fight should happen: “I’m a big believer in my capabilities, and he is too,” Donaire said. “That’s why I’m saying this is a fight that needs to happen, and it will be an exciting one at that.”