WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali 17-0 (12) will get the chance to add a signature win to his ledger when he takes on sure-fire future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire 40-6 (26) at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California on May 29 live on Showtime.
The 34-year-old French southpaw, a former two-time Olympian, will be making the third defence of his green belt against former four-weight world champion Donaire.
The fight has been a long time in the making with the bout originally expected to take place last year before the global coronavirus pandemic hit.
“I’m very excited that this fight is finally here,” said Oubaali. “I know that fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see the two best bantamweights on the planet battle it out.
“Donaire is a legend in the sport and I respect him a lot, but I am the champion of the world and there is no doubt in my mind that my hand will be raised when we finally meet.
“I am fighting for my family and my country and by beating Donaire I will put my name in the history books of boxing. I am extremely motivated and I guarantee fireworks on fight night.”
One of the sport’s most accomplished active fighters, the 38-year-old Donaire from the Philippines has captured titles at flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight.
In his last outing Donaire turned back the clock to lose a close and competitive decision to unified bantamweight champion Naoya ‘The Monster’ Inoue 20-0 (17) in November 2019 in the Fight of the Year.
“I always come to bring a fight and entertain and I can’t wait to perform in front of the fans again on May 29,” said Donaire.
“I showed in my last fight that I still have the skill, heart and determination to stand up against the best in this sport.
“I’m always working on ways to keep my body in shape and my reflexes on point while retaining my power. I can’t wait to show everything I can do in the ring against Oubaali.”
The winner of this fight will have their eye on the winner of the upcoming showdown between WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero 30-4 (21) and former unified champion Guillermo Rigondeaux 20-1 (13), who are set to meet on Showtime on August 14 in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
“Oubaali and Donaire have been preparing to face each other for at least a year now, so you know these two warriors will be ready to let their fists fly once the bell finally rings on May 29,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions.
“Oubaali has proven himself a force at bantamweight and will have a chance to reach a new level with a victory against Nonito Donaire, who has solidified his Hall of Fame credentials by adding to his resume in recent years.
“With two exciting undercard fights leading up to our main event, this should be a high-stakes night from start to finish.”