Four-division champion Nonito Donaire Jr. plans to go down in weight after losing to British Carl Frampton in their featherweight title fight early Sunday morning (Manila time) in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Donaire dropped split his two fights in his return to the 126-pound division, outpointing Ruben Garcia of Mexico last year before falling to Frampton by unanimous decision.
“My team, family, and Ringstar will have a meeting but I think it has already been predecided that although I have done my best to gain weight and keep my weight on and strong, it’s best I move back down in weight,” Donaire (38-5, 24 KOs) wrote on his Facebook account.
READ: Donaire: I’m peaking physically, in terms of experience
The first time Donaire fought as a featherweight, he scored a ninth-round stoppage over Vic Darchinyan in their rematch before winning by technical decision to Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa to win the WBA title.
Donaire’s reign as featherweight champion, however, lasted for only five months after he suffered a sixth-round TKO at the hands of Nicholas Walters of Jamaica in October 2014.
A possible move back to super bantamweight could eventually pit him against Jessie Magdaleno in a rematch if he goes on a resurgence.
READ: Frampton outpoints Donaire in battle of former champions
Donaire yielded the WBO super bantamweight title to Magdaleno two years ago.
In his post, the 35-year-old Donaire also praised Frampton, who claimed the vacant WBO interim belt.
“First of all, always want to thank God for keeping me safe in that ring. Not taking anything away from Frampton. He is an amazing fighter, smart and a tough mf! Like he said to me “friends forever” Congratulations my brother may you continue to be on top.”