Donaire, Casimero set for historic all-Filipino bantamweight unification

MANILA, Philippines – Newly minted WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. is set to clash with countryman Johnriel Casimero — who holds the WBO version of the crown — in a unification bout reportedly on August 14 in Carson, California (August 15, Manila time).

It will mark the first time in history that two Filipino world champions will unify titles against each other — a fight that is expected to bring fireworks given both Donaire and Casimero’s notable punching power.

The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger was the first to break the news, saying Donaire will replace Casimero’s original opponent, WBA champion Guillermo Rigondeux, who has reportedly agreed to step aside.

According to Coppinger, Rigondeux will then fight the winner. 

Donaire himself confirmed the news on his Twitter account Sunday morning.

My team does magic. Thank you to Richard Shaefer, Rachel Donaire, PBC, TGB and Showtime. Started camp last week. Belt #2 coming soon. pic.twitter.com/utOHearTSz

— Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) June 19, 2021

Rachel Donaire, Nonito's wife who also acts as the boxer's manager, said the offer to unify with Casimero came from Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions, which handles Casimero.

"Nonito Donaire, you want some of this, it's here for you," Rachel quoted Gibbons as saying.

From @Knockout_Queen
The invite was from @KnuckleheadSean of MP Promotions to @filipinoflash "Nonito Donaire, you want some of this, it's here for u." So...I just pressed Yes to the invite. ????????‍??Me and Richard talked and worked and Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, Aug 14 switcheroo.

— Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) June 19, 2021

The 38-year-old Donaire (41-6, with 27 KOs) is still fresh from his massive victory over France’s Nordine Oubaali, dethroning him via fourth-round knockout in a vintage performance at the Dignity Health Sports Park also in Carson last May 30.

For his part, Casimero (30-4, with 21 KOs) hasn’t fought since stopping Ghana’s Duke Micah in three rounds to retain his title in September last year.

The Donaire-Casimero 118-pound showdown will reportedly be staged at the War Grounds in Carson and will take place the weekend before Pacquiao takes on Errol Spence Jr.