After a nearly flawless victory against Nonito Donaire, NAOYA INOUE is still the bantamweight champion.
They renewed their rivalry at the Saitama Super Arena on Tuesday morning, almost three years after their 2019 Fight of the year.
MONSTROUS DESTRUCTION
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@NaoyaInoue_410 | #InoueDonaire2 | #DramaInSaitama2 pic.twitter.com/S7PCACgDEM
On Tuesday morning, Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire renewed their rivalry for Japan
Inoue maintained his IBF and Ring Magazine titles during their first meeting thanks to a unanimous victory.
He did it again, knocking Donaire out of the Saitama showdown in round 2.
The 29-year old has set his sights on the WBO strap, which Brit Paul Butler holds, and being the undisputed king of 118lbs.
He stated that his goal was to be undisputed champion. If I am able to do this by 2022, I would love for me to remain in this division.
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"If I cannot, I'm capable of raising this section and fighting in the higher division."
Donaire was strong in the first round, and caught the local hero using his trademark looping lefthook.
Inoue was happy to work on the back foot for his multiple-weight world champion and take a look at his opponent.
After a Donaire telegraphed entry, he quickly found his rhythm.
SUN BINGO GET PS50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYAfter a lightning fast jab, Inoue soon had a solid right hand.
He put his man on canvas just seconds before the last bell, with a chop right.
Donaire, 39, was able to beat the count, but was shaken to its core.
Donaire bravely moved forward in the second, even though he didn't have his legs underneath him.
He was quickly caught with a massive left hook that rocked him.
Inoue smelt blood and ran after the Filipino retreating, mixing up headshots and body. After consuming a one-two combination flush, Donaire managed to get up on his feet.
He was then sent to the ground with a nasty hook after another lightning-fast one two from the unification champ.
Inoue stated that the final result was "At the very beginning of the round, I received Nonito's left hook and the punch made it feel like I was awake."
"I just kept my focus for the remainder of the fight. Answering the question, I don't know if the last straight was a right one.
"But during intermission, I saw video and knew that this was the one."
The pride of Japan addressed the crowd, saying, "Thank you so very much, everybody, it was possible."
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"Two and seven months ago, Nonito Donaire defeated me at the WBSS Final. I came back to the same place.
"You [guys] gave my power."
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