Naoya Inoue produced yet another performance for the ages as he destroyed Nonito Donaire in two vicious rounds to unify the bantamweight division once more on Tuesday afternoon.
The pair squared off in a bout later crowned ‘Fight of the Year’ at the Saitama Super Arena, Japan, in the 2019 World Boxing Super Series tournament final, with Inoue winning via unanimous decision to become the unified WBA and IBF bantamweight world champion.
Two-and-a-half years after the grueling encounter, taking place at the same venue, the pair were back at it, this time with the WBC belt also on the line. Inoue once again emerged victorious, though in far more convincing fashion.
The Japanese star, who suffered fractures to his right eye socket during their fiery first encounter, needed less than six minutes to blast through his veteran opponent this time round.
Both fighters were understandably cautious during the opening exchanges, but it didn’t take long for Inoue to exhibit flashes of brilliance, connecting with an exquisite jab and spiteful right hand.
The 29-year-old made what proved to be the decisive breakthrough moments before the first round came to a halt, sending Donaire crashing to the canvas with a right hand that landed flush on the temple.
Donaire was able to get back to his feet, but the 39-year-old was still clearly in trouble as round two began, and Inoue wasted no time in going to work.
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A barrage of hurtful left-hooks had Donaire wobbled and in desperate trouble, before one final shot floored the Filipino for a second and final time. Despite getting back to his feet, the contest was swiftly and correctly waved off.
With victory, Inoue otherwise known as ‘The Monster’ remains unbeaten, extending his record to 23-0 (20KOs) and cementing his status further as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best.
The 29-year-old also moves one step closer to becoming undisputed champion in the 118lb division, with just the WBO belt – currently held by Paul Butler still to capture.