Donaire battered, stopped by Masuda to end title hopes

MANILA, Philippines -- It could be the last time boxing fans see Nonito Donaire Jr. In the ring.

This, after the Filipino boxing icon got dominated by Japan’s Riku Masuda, which led to Donaire’s corner to throw in the towel in their WBA bantamweight title eliminator Sunday evening in Yokohama. 

The match was called off in the eighth round with Donaire’s face heavily swollen. 

The Japanese landed multiple sharp and clean punches on Donire, who suffered a cut in the fifth round. 

And with Masuda keeping the pressure on with crisp attacks, the “Filipino Flash” was sent to the canvas at the 21-second mark of the seventh round after a quick left. 

Donaire was able to beat the count, but the onslaught continued in the eighth round. 

While the Filipino-American was able to land some shots, Masuda picked his opponent apart. 

And as the Japanese landed a four-punch combination, the corner of Donaire threw in the towel. 

This is the second straight defeat of the 43-year-old after a split decision loss against Seiya Tsutsumi last year. 

Donaire is now holding a 43-10 win-loss record. He has lost four of his previous five matches. 

The 28-year-old Masuda rose to 10-1 (nine knockouts).