Boxing: Former World Champ Nonito Donaire to Fight Anthony Settoul in July

Former world champion Nonito Donaire is set to face Anthony Settoul on July 18 in Macau.

According to a report from Cebu Daily News, the clash is scheduled as a 10-rounder. It was thought that “The Filipino Flash” would lock horns with Hugo Ruiz in a WBC junior featherweight eliminator, but Doniare has instead opted to fight Settoul (20-3, 8 KOs) in hopes to locking down a shot at the WBA version of the title.

Donaire (34-3, 22 KOs) was once regarded as the heir to the boxing throne as he skyrocketed up the flyweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight ranks, snatching up world titles along the way. He tore through credible opposition Fernando Montiel, Raul Martinez, Omar Narvaez, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and Jorge Arce. He lost WBA super bantamweight title to Guillermo Rigondeaux, bounced back to knock out Vic Darchinyan, but then was dominated and eventually stopped by Nicholas Walters. Donaire has been trying to climb back to the pinnacle of his division and he’s on the right track. He last fought in march where he starched William Prado in the second round.

Settoul (20-3, 8 KOs) is a tough veteran but he hasn’t fought anybody near the caliber of Donaire or those he has faced. Settoul, from France, is a sizeable underdog going in and last fought in October where he stopped Ignac Kassai, a fighter with 40 losses, in the first round.

The bout will be held inside the Cotai Arena in the Venetian Resort. As of yet, there is no official word on what U.S. network will televise the bout.