NAOYA INOUE is still the king of the bantamweight division following a brutal second-round KO victory in his rematch with Nonito Donaire.
The pair renewed their rivalry at the historic Saitama Super Arena early on Tuesday morning – nearly three years after their 2019 Fight of the Year.
Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire renewed their rivalry in Japan on Tuesday morning Credit: AFP Inoue retained his grip on his IBF and Ring Magazine titles in their first meeting courtesy of a unanimous decision victory.
But he went one better second time around – knocking Donaire out in the second round of their Saitama showdown.
And the 29-year-old has set sights on claiming the WBO strap held by Brit Paul Butler and becoming the undisputed king at 118lbs.
He said: “My aim is to be the undisputed champion. If I can do that within the year of 2022, I would love to stay in this division.
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‘Fury has right mentality and skills to beat Joshua’, claims rival Usyk “If I can’t, I am capable of raising this division and fighting in the upper division.”
Donaire came out strong in the first round and caught the local hero with his trademark looping left hook.
Inoue was more than happy to operate on the back foot and get a read on his fellow multiple-weight world champion.
But soon found his rhythm with a nice counter hook following a telegraphed entry from Donaire.
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A solid right hand soon followed for Inoue after a lightning-fast jab.
And he put his man on the canvas seconds before the final bell with a chopping straight right.
Donaire, 39, beat the count but was shaken to his core.
The pride of the Philippines bravely plodded forward in the second, despite still not having his legs under him.
But he was soon caught with a huge left hook that rocked him.
Inoue smelled blood and went after the retreating Filipino, mixing up body and headshots. Donaire, somehow, managed to stay on his feet after eating a one-two combo flush.
The Japanese Monster was razor sharp at the Saitama Super Arena Credit: AFP
Inoue dropped Donaire with a vicious left hook in the second round to unify the division Credit: AFP
An elated Inoue celebrates atop the ropes Credit: AFP But he was sent crashing to the canvas with a nasty hook following another lightning-fast one-two from the unified champ.
Inoue said of the finish: “At the very first round, I received the left hook from Nonito and the punch made me wake up.
“And I just stayed focused for the rest of the fight. And in answer to the question, the last right straight, I didn’t know it was a right one.
“But during the intermission, I saw the video and knew this was going to be the one.”
He also addressed his countrymen in the packed arena, saying: “Thank you so much, everyone, I did it.
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Love Island fans spot ‘secret feud’ – saying Gemma Owen ‘hates’ one Islander “Two years and seven months ago, I fought against Nonito Donaire at the WBSS final. And came back here at the same venue.
“You [guys] gave me the power.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
