Naoya Inoue vs Nonito Donaire: Big Night in Japan

Naoya Inoue vs Nonito Donaire: Big Night in Japan

By Will Collett

Naoya Inoue’s rise to fame has been monumental. Scoring consecutive knockouts against some of the most elite fighters within his division, he has made a statement with each performance.

Entering the tournament having just annihilated former world champion Jamie McDonnell in less than one round, Inoue went on to stop Juan Carlos Payano and Emmanuel Rodriguez in equally devastating fashion to secure his place in the final.

Nonito Donaire followed a slightly different path, entering the tournament after a unanimous decision defeat to Carl Frampton in April 2018. He was handed Ryan Burnett’s world title in the quarter-finals following a severe back injury that forced Burnett to retire in the fourth round.

Having secured his place in the semi-finals under these circumstances, Donaire made sure to grab this opportunity with both hands when he dispatched Zolani Tete’s late replacement Stephon Young with relative ease.

Whilst Donaire’s experience far surpasses Inoue’s, the Japanese superstar won’t be looking to let that play a part in the fight. Whilst diligently preparing for a 12 round contest he has made no secret of wanting to continue his form of highlight reel knockouts.

If Inoue can produce a similar performance to one that we have been accustomed to watching with him, he will surely cement himself as the king of the bantamweight division as well as a top 5 pound for pound star, if he was not already.

Inoue’s total fight time in the World Boxing Super Series stands at a mere 5 minutes 29 seconds, so there is much for Donaire to be wary of. The ‘Filipino Flash’ is taking no notice of concerns people have with him in this fight and relishes the opportunity to fight one of the worlds most feared boxers.

Donaire at 36, is giving away 10 years in age, but sees the experience he has gained over his 40 fights as well as the game plan his team have constructed in training as the keys to victory. He has unsurprisingly emerged as the underdog given Inoue’s recent form, however will be looking to put on one of the biggest performances of his career on November 7th at the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Whatever the result, it is unknown whether Donaire will continue fighting. Having boxed at the highest level throughout his years in the sport, there may be no more fitting a stage than to call an end to what has been an incredible career.

If Inoue emerges victorious, as many are expecting, there are eye-watering clashes that remain to be made in the 118lb division. A further unification against WBO champion Zolani Tete would be eagerly awaited by fans.

Challenging for the WBC bantamweight belt on the undercard is Naoya’s brother Takuma and so an interesting dynamic is at play if they decide they went an undisputed champion.

Whilst everyone is currently being blown away by Inoue, fans and opponents alike, many are forgetful of Donaire’s own power. With 26 knockouts on his record, Donaire is more than capable of pulling off the upset.

As two big punchers face off against one another, this fight will be one you won’t want to blink whilst watching. A knockout is surely on the cards.

With the second series of the WBSS coming to a close, fans have been truly spoilt with some elite match ups. Not only is it the fans who benefit, but such a process allows fighters to consistently challenge themselves at the highest level, with the winners earning more money and respect as each round progresses.

The tournament has been hugely significant in building the profiles of certain fighters, one such example being former undisputed cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

This process could now be repeated for the winner of the second series. Despite Inoue being highly popular in his home country, it is time for his name to transcend into a global audience.

Having fought Ryan Burnett and Carl Frampton, Donaire is more widely known on our shores. Whilst a victory here would see his name splashed across the headlines, his past achievements have already earned him legendary status within the sport.

Fans sitting on the fence may see this fight boiling down to who lands first, however, Donaire’s experience and guile could see Inoue tested over the course of the fight.

Despite many having tried and failed before, there is nobody with better credentials for the job than a former 4 weight world champion, in Nonito Donaire. Whilst scheduled for 12 rounds, expect this fight to be over at any minute, as one things for sure, there will be fireworks.