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Nonito Donaire Eyes Return on Gervonta Davis–Jake Paul Undercard

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 2:12 PM ET

Former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire is aiming to make one more run at a world title and he wants to do it on one of the year’s biggest stages. Speaking with The Ring, Donaire (43-8, 28 KOs) revealed he hopes to land a slot on the Nov. 14 card in Atlanta, headlined by the high-profile exhibition between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Jake Paul at State Farm Arena.

“I’m hoping to get on the undercard with Jake Paul and Tank,” Donaire said. “I think that would be a fun fight, it’s a very entertaining fight. That’s just something that puts my options out there.”

The 42-year-old already has ties to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, having worked as an analyst on MVP events. Donaire credits that commentary role with sharpening his own boxing IQ:

“I actually got better as a fighter being a commentator. I can break everything down slowly and talk about it, and to me, it helps me out the way I look at my fighting and training.”

Nonito Donaire GOES ALL IN on Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis: “EMBRACE WHAT’S COMING” https://t.co/rpZWocixii #Liveboxing #Boxing #BoxingVideos

— Boxing Videos (@boxingvideoscom) August 22, 2025

WBA Title Picture in Limbo

Donaire currently holds the interim WBA bantamweight title, earned with a ninth-round technical decision over Andres Campos on June 14. However, the WBA’s situation at 122 pounds remains unsettled.

Antonio Vargas was elevated from interim to full champion earlier this year and fought to a draw with Daigo Higa on July 30.
Seiya Tsutsumi, the previous full champion, was downgraded to champion in recess after being unable to defend in time following his grueling draw with Higa in February.

Logic suggests a Vargas-Donaire fight would unify the belts, but sanctioning body politics often complicate matters. Donaire, however, insists he’s ready for Vargas, Tsutsumi, or any other top contender.

“I got great respect for them, but this is boxing. When it comes down to it, I fight everybody.”

The Bigger Picture

At 42, Donaire remains one of the sport’s most respected veterans, having already achieved Hall of Fame credentials. Yet he remains driven for one final world title push. A slot on the Davis-Paul undercard could provide both the platform and the spotlight for that pursuit.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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