WBA/IBF bantamweight champion “Monster” Naoya Inoue (18-0, 16 KOs) breaks down his WBSS Bantamweight Ali Trophy final against legendary “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire (40-5, 26 KOs) at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on November 7.
So far in the tournament, Inoue needed just 70 seconds to smash former champ Juan Carlos Payano, then he steamrolled Emmanuel Rodriguez in less than a round-and-a-half. His total fight time in the tournament is an astounding 5 minutes and 29 seconds.
Did you ever believe it would only take you 5 minutes and 29 seconds to reach the final?
“No, I never imagined it.”
What is your prediction for the final?
“I’m prepared to fight for 12 rounds with Nonito Donaire, but if I see an opening, I will aim for a knockout.”
What is your assessment of Nonito Donaire? What are his skills and abilities?
“I have been watching Donaire throughout his career and was stealing his moves when I was starting out in boxing. I have a lot of respect for Donaire, I have idolized him and that’s why he was the one I wanted to fight the most in this tournament. But now it’s time for a change of generations.”
What would it mean to you to win the WBSS and Ali Trophy?
“I entered this tournament to prove I am the best bantamweight in the world. I’m in great condition and on November 7, I will show the best performance of my career to win the Ali Trophy.”
What is your greatest motivation and what is your ultimate career ambition?
“This final will be the biggest highlight of my career thus far. It will also be like a crossroad fight for what lies ahead for my future. I’m just looking forward to seeing what is waiting ahead in my career after winning the Ali Trophy.”
* * *
DAZN will exclusively bring U.S. fight fans the WBSS Season II Finals.
Just 5 minutes and 29 seconds to reach the final and maybe 2 more to get the trophy. From a dream fight to a sorry fight, because the one against Inoue this time, is not that fearsome KO machine of 8 years ago, time when Inoue was just a 18 years old kid planning his entrance to the boxing professional field. The man that Inoue will face now is just a shell of what he was, a shell with a glorious name, that’s all. Maybe the real challenge for Inoue is awaiting for him in American soil, his name is Luis Nery or perhaps at 122 with another Mexican named Emmanuel Navarrete. Inoue will lose one day, his style has that tendency, when? who knows, but for sure the one’s before mentioned have a good chance if eventually a fight with any of them is made.
Inoue is the best bantamweight ever.. one of the best fighters to lace a pair of gloves… Bullshit and he could beat Nery and Navarrete the same night with one arm tied in his back ! To me he’s P4P n 2 only because Loma has a better resume but only due to the weight classes he was fighting in (The names were bigger ). Give me the name of one bantamweight in history who could beat Inoue ? Best Japanese fighter ever… Never witness these kind of speed , power and réflexes in such a thin Guy !
Donaire’s been lucky. His first opponent quit because of a back injury. His second opponent pulled out and he beat an inexperienced late sub. Inoue destroys Donaire unless another fluke happens.
Donaire destroyed top fighters before your words. Make comments with sense.
I am starting to wonder what directions Inoue’s journey will take.
He had a short and fairly unsuccessful amateur career but has been a true monster since he turned pro. The fight against Donaire is similar like Canelo’s fight against Kovalev: a younger guy fighting a faded champ. Assuming that he will win the fight (if so, then most likely even by KO), a fight against Nery would be the next logical step.
What speaks in favor of Donaire in this fight are only two things I can think of: 1/ experience and 2/ power. Inoue, on the other hand, has a incomparably better speed at this point and similar power. Aside of that, he has gained considerable experience, especially throughout the last year.
Inoue has a fairly small frame and limited height/reach but it may be enough to take out some of the top tier fighters of the super bantam division. The division has its own “monsters”: Navarrete and Vargas. I don’t think he could beat those two yet, but if he continues to develop, anything (in the super bantam division) should be possible for him.
Not to overlook his fight against Donaire (which I think Inoue will win by KO), but he’s certainly an interesting fighter to watch.
lol..people forget wht donaire done to the the boxing world..inoue is not yet on the level tht donaire had..my fearless forecast..doinaire by KO..6 or 7th rd..
5 minutes??? In your dreams. Lol
#2 P4P in the world this kid.