NAOYA INOUE remains the king of the bantamweight division following a flawless victory in his rematch with Nonito Donaire.
Nearly three years after their epic first meeting, the pair renewed their rivalry at the historic Saitama Super Arena early on Tuesday morning.
Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire renewed their rivalry in Japan on Tuesday morning
Inoue retained his grip on his IBF and Ring Magazine titles in their first meeting courtesy of a unanimous decision victory.
But he went one better second time around – knocking Donaire out in the second round of their Saitama showdown.
An elated Inoue said in his post-fight interview: “Thank you so much, everyone, I did it.
“Two years and seven months ago, I fought against Nonito Donaire at the WBSS final. And came back here at the same venue.
“You [guys] gave me the power.”
Donaire came out strong in the first and caught the local hero with his trademark looping left hook.
Inoue was happy to operate on the back foot early and get a read on his fellow multiple-weight world champion.
He soon found his rhythm with a nice counter hook after following a telegraphed entry from Donaire.
A solid right hand soon followed for Inoue after a lightning-fast jab.
And he put his man on the ground moments before the final bell with a short chopping straight right. Donaire beat the count but was badly shaken to the core.
He said of the stunning finish: “At the very first round, I received the left hook from Nonito and the punch made me wake up.
“And I just stayed focused for the rest of the fight. And in answer to the question, the last right straight, I didn’t know it was a right one.
“But during the intermission, I saw the video and knew this was going to be the one.”
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