Naoya Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs) put on a cold and ruthless performance to destroy Nonito Donaire in today’s rematch in Saitama, Japan.
After 12 rounds candidate of the year three years ago Inoue wasn’t in the mood to be sent anywhere near that distance.
The WBA and IBF bantamweight champion walked into the ring with a killer look on his face.
And when his opponent started inside the arena, the ‘Monster’ started punching him in the jaw. A punch was not delivered but the night looked ominous for the Filipino legend.
Drama In Saitama 2 begins with Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs) became hot with his famous left hook that woke Inoue. The 39-year-old continued his aggressive start aimed at Inoue’s body, who returned fire with his left hand. The Japanese superstar didn’t find his range and while the match lasted only a minute, Donaire had to use that as a tool to build an assassin like the qualities of someone like him. Inoue.
However, Donaire was soon locked in the serve and ate a left hand overhead. A hammer-heavy right hand slashed down then Inoue mixed it with the stab to the head and body. The first half isn’t over yet, but the early end supporters must have felt confident. Donaire isn’t in town to be used as a punching bag, though, and has taken it upon himself to play his part in an exchange that brings the fight to a boil.
Then, with less than ten seconds left in the opening frame, Inoue throws his right hand straight across Donaire’s face and drops him onto the canvas. The veteran beat the count and when he stood up to see Inoue threatening to get the job done wasn’t far away but the bell had come to the rescue.
Donaire might have started the first half quickly, but Inoue put his foot down as soon as he got up from his chair to start the second round. A left hook creates a constant pile of pressure that keeps Donaire nowhere.
The away boxer tried to strangle Inoue and work inside but as soon as some space became empty it became a countdown to the end. A three-punch combination shook Donaire, who bravely fought with leftover spirit. A short left hook then sent the multi-division world champion wobbly. Inoue knew it was over and all he had to do was get his prey out of his miserable predicament. He doesn’t need a second invitation. Another right hand then left hook sent Donaire down at 1.24 of the second half.
You can watch the final moments below, courtesy of Top boxing:
REMOVAL MONEY @ NaoyaInoue_410 | # InoueDonaire2 | # DramaInSaitama2pic.twitter.com/S7PCACgDEM
– Top boxing (@trboxing) June 7, 2022
It’s devastating, chilling, and a message to his rivals at 118lbs and maybe even at 122lbs. This is Inoue’s power punch at its best. On this form, he is unstoppable.
