By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda
“This is just a stepping stone for my ultimate unification,” said “Monster” Naoya Inoue (22-0, 19 KOs), WBA, IBF bantamweight champion, at the press conference on Friday in Yokohama, Japan. His grudge rival, WBC ruler Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire (42-6, 28 KOs), a five-division titlist, also said, “I believe I’m the champion. It is a very important step toward the final unification.”
Naoya defeated Nonito by a hard-fought unanimous decision over a grueling battle last November, which was named “Fight of the Year” by a great many media. Inoue overcame a broken eye socket suffered in round two, finally caught up with Donaire with a vicious body shot to drop him in the eleventh and scored a valuable victory. Their rematch at the Saitama Super Arena next Tuesday is greatly anticipated by all boxing fans in the world.
Richard Shaefer of Probellum Promotions was in attendance and was interviewed by the Japanese press. He positively said, “The unification of the four championship belts is an ultimate goal for not only boxing fans but for all promoters. I would like to endeavor to materialize the final unification.” He truly holds the key since he handles Donaire and WBO titleholder Paul Butler (34-2, 15 KOs) as well under his wing. Either Monster or Filipino Flash will have to be victorious before the encounter with British Baby Faced Assassin.
This show will be presented by Ohashi Promotions with streaming by Amazon Prime Video in Japan.
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Really looking forward to this FIGHT!! Great time to be fight fan!!
Yes but I think it’s on a Tuesday morning here. That part sucks.
My reation to the incoming rematch of monster Inoue and our very own pride Nonito wil be a bit hard for both boxers as both are good and widowed, however, the first to commitistake shall become the loser
a long awaited rematch,,but again in japan..when is the nhl going to have an outdoor gamo in hiroshima/ junior fa ..we h aal wanna see you getit back..? also kambosis haney woo can ask for anything more? knockout ..cp freashmart vs mel jeruselum in reijavik..aukland/ soufee / bourder? chop skaKEY?
i agree cant wait for this one go get em Filipino flash
Love this rematch!! Damn Nonito is a legitimate gangster for taking this fight!! If only the top fighters in our sport were more like him?!
Inoue is showing why he is the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and a true honorable Warrior. Nonito is still dangerous and a world-class fighter, who is naturally bigger than the Japanese monster. I expect Inoue to win, but it will most definitely be both an exciting and great contest.
CTN, well said. I have loved Donaire since he waxed Montiel, but it’s hard not to love Inoue as well and hard to pick against him in this fight. Whomever wins, I will be happy. Whomever loses, I will be disappointed.