Donaire Arrives in Japan

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By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (42-6, 28 KOs), five-division champion of the Philippines, arrived on Sunday in Tokyo, Japan. On June 6, “Filipino Flash” will meet “Monster” Naoya Inoue, WBA/IBF titleholder, with three belts on the line in a rematch since their first encounter in November 2019.

Nonito said, “If Naoya thinks, Donaire is same as in our first encounter, that’s wrong. I’m quite different as I can punch him from any angle in any position now. My skills and motivation have improved a lot. You’ll see.”

We’ll see.

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  • I’ve learned not to underestimate Donaire! Looking forward to seeing this fight!!

  • Donaire is old. He fouled the French fighter to win the belt. The guy should have gotten a 5 minute rest for being hit 1 second after the round. Donaire doesn’t rematch him in France, but rematches Monster in Japan. Donaire lost to him. Donaire doesn’t seem to look for KOs, they just happen. Thought Donaire would stay up at 122, but he seems to solve most puzzles at 122. Inoue looked like he sat back and admired his work agains the Thai fighter one or 2 fights back. I think Donaire has a 1 punch KO for this fight, but if he doesn’t find it, he may lose a decision. Downside should hit the body back hard too, Inoue doesn’t ignore the body.

  • Looks like a nice Japan welcome for the champ. Good for him, he’s a true inspiration.
    These guys look for the very best fights the fans want to see. I like both fighter a lot. Respect for Monster running back a tough fight. Could have cherry picked 🙂

  • Inoue will correct his game plan with emphasis in defense to neutralize Donaire best weapon. I see a systematic beatdown with Donaire’s corner calling a day around the 10th or the referee mercifully stopping the fight.

  • I agree with others here. Donaire turned back the clock and gave a great account of himself in the first fight. This one I don’t think will be close

  • This fight is a must-watch! Rooting for Donaire, of-course but, may the best man win!

  • If inoue will fight like rigondeux he’ll win, but if he will get careless and try to exchange punches with Donaire he will be caught up with a haymaker. This is the least I can say with Donaire.

  • admire donaire for going back to japan for this fight wish him all the luck donaire should go for the tko or ko for the win

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