Nonito Donaire Jr. will be facing Riku Masuda when he makes a ring return on March 15 in the World Boxing Association (WBA) title eliminator fight for the bantamweight crown currently held by Seiya Tsusumi.

Donaire, now 43 years old, is continuing his quest of resetting his own record of being the oldest bantamweight champion in history as he fights for his third bout in a nine-month span.

The veteran counter-puncher suited up just last December, narrowly losing to Tsutsumi in a bout that saw Donaire somehow turn back the hands of clock.

“Eyes forward. I’ve been back in the gym since December 24 — no announcements, no shortcuts, just work,” said Donaire in an Instagram post.

“Grateful beyond measure for the opportunity. This is what discipline prepares you for.
Respect to everyone who helped make today professional and sharp — from the lighting to the sound to the cameras,” he added.

Interestingly, winning the bout would earn Donaire another shot at Tsutsumi.

Masuda, however, is certainly no pushover, boasting a 9-1 record with eight knockouts though it still pales in comparison to Donaire’s storied 43-9 record with 28 KOs.

The fight is set in Yokohama, Japan as part of the card under the WBO flyweight title showdown between Anthony Olascuaga and Jukiya Iimura.