Supreme test for both Donaire, Inoue
There was shock and shame. It was too late before the Philippines’ Romero Duno learned how truly tough his test in Las Vegas last Sunday would be. Duno was down on all fours, a poor child falling limbless after crumbling in his first steps.
Crude and mindless, Duno didn’t only lose. He got annihilated in less than two minutes after blindly banging into a soundless killer storm.
Duno had blazed and blasted his way onto the big stage, ready to conquer, shrieking to reign.
Nothing sure how Duno would pick up the pieces, or be re-assembled. He should be back—wiser hopefully—under a better trainer and strategist.
A simple repair job won’t do. Duno needs a reinvention, a renewal, total overhaul.
There no doubt was despair after the dreadful defeat.
The big chore to defend and uphold Filipino pride in world boxing immediately rest in the hands of the seasoned internationalist, the four-division world champion Nonito Donaire.
Donaire, 36, takes on Japanese living legend Noaya Inoue, 26, in Saitama, Japan, tomorrow night, Thursday. They clash in the bantamweight final of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) that stakes the prestigious Ali Cup.
Donaire, (40 wins, 5 defeats, with 26 KOs) is listed as the underdog. He was quick to claim he has a secret weapon against his unbeaten Japanese rival, who has won all his 18 fights, 16 by knockout. Inoue has the awesome reputation of hitting like a middleweight.
Said Donaire: “It’s an honor to fight the great Noaya Inoue in Japan. I have big respect for him. My experience will carry me through. I have the game plan to beat him.”
The super bantamweight championship has been described as a big battle between a very dangerous body crusher, Inoue, and a still dangerous battle-scarred warrior, Donaire.
Unlike Inoue, Donaire has been through many great ring wars. Donaire has the experience, together with longer reach and deeper craft. He owns a dreaded left hook
Said Inoue: “Donaire has experience, he has been in many big fights. He’s taller and has longer reach, but we have prepared for that.”
Inoue has been called by boxing legends in his country as a fabulous body attacker, who can connect even from awkward positions. His best weapons are crispy hooks and dagger straight shots.
Many experts feel the fighter who scores ahead will have the edge to take control. Adjustments will be a must.
Defense, or the lack of it, could be the ultimate factor to victory or defeat.
