By Mark Eisner: IBF/WBA bantamweight champion Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs) slaughtered an overmatched WBC champion Nonito Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs) by a second-round knockout in a three-belt unification fight on Tuesday night at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Donaire, 39, was knocked down with a right to the head in the closing seconds of round one.
In the second round, Inoue once again hurt Donaire and then finished him off with a series of hard shots to the head and body. The time of the stoppage was at 1:24 of round two.
Undercard results:
- Undefeated light welterweight Andy Hiraoka (20-0, 15 KOs) kept his perfect record intact with a sixth-round knockout win over Shun Akaiwa (7-4-1, 5 KOs). Akaiwa never had a chance in this fight, as Hiraoka was all over him, burying him with powerful shots, and taking advantage of his lack of skills.
- Super bantamweight Takuma Inoue (16-1, 3 KOs) defeated journeyman Gakuya Furuhashi (28-9-2, 16 KOs) by an easy 12-round unanimous decision. The scores were 119-109, 120-108, and 120-108. The 26-year-old Takuma is the younger brother of the superstar Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue but lacks the punch, speed, and talent that he possesses.
Preview:
It’s been three years since Inoue beat Donaire by a 12-round unanimous decision in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series [WBSS] in November 2019 in Saitama.
Inoue has won all three of his fights since by knockout but against lesser competition. In comparison, Donaire has fought better guys, beating Nordine Oubaali and Reymart Gaballo.
“Stronger because last time I fought Inoue, it was about finding myself, and after the fight, the desire started burning more than ever,” said Nonito Donaire to Powcast Sports.
“I believe I’m a better person, a better man, and a better fighter now. I’m confident in all aspects of my training. I’m confident in my strategy, and I’m confident in my body. I am ready for war,” Donaire continued.
“Using my experience, using my confidence, and my worth ethic that I used to prepare for this fight,” Nonito said when asked what he believes will help him defeat Inoue.
“The time to peak is the weak before, not the weak prior to. It has to be a week before, and then the fight, and I’m ready to go. I think there was a change in him, but also a big change in me,” said Donaire when asked what changed in Inoue from their previous fight in 2019.
“There’s also a possibility of everything. It’s just him being prepared for it,” said Donaire when asked if he thinks Naoya can succeed in moving up to super bantamweight [122]. “I did it. He can also do it.
“The only promise I gave them is I’m going to win this fight,” said Donaire when asked what promise he gave to his family. “I’m not looking back, but the promise I have to win this fight.
“That is my goal, that is my purpose, and that is what has gotten me motivated and inspired to fight Inoue, and beat him and get all the belts,” said Donaire about his goal to become undisputed at bantamweight.
“There’s no going back. In an ancient battle where people come in ships to take over. There’s no going back. All of our ships will be burned. The only purpose is to win. To survive is to conquer.
“That is my mindset, and that is who I am. It’s to conquer the opponent before me inside that ring. Stay tuned, this fight is going to be amazing. Two warriors fighting at their best, and you’ll the spirit in us, giving our all. You will be entertained,” said Donaire.
IBF/WBA bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (22-0, 19 KO) and WBC champ Nonito Donaire (42-6, 28 KO) meet on Tuesday, June 7th in a unification match in the headliner in a rematch at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.