FILE – Naoya Inoue vs Nonito Donaire. World Boxing Super Series Photo
MANILA, Philippines—Nonito Donaire believes he’s even a much better fighter this time when he clashes with Naoya Inoue in their June rematch.
Still the only fighter to give Inoue a tough time in the ring, Donaire pushed the undefeated Japanese to his limit in their 12-round slugfest back in November 2019.
Donaire, a world champion in four divisions, lost by unanimous decision but he didn’t go down without a fight as he left Inoue with a fractured orbital bone and a broken nose.
Three years later, Donaire feels he’s more well equipped now to figure Inoue out.
“If Naoya thinks Donaire is same as in our first encounter, that’s wrong. I’m quite different as I can punch him from any angle in any position now. My skills and motivation have improved a lot. You’ll see,” Donaire told Fightnews.
The 39-year-old Donaire is riding high heading into the unification showdown coming off a pair of fourth-round knockouts over former champion Nordine Oubaali and Filipino prospect Reymart Gaballo last year.
Inoue, 29, has been just as dominant with his last three fights ending inside eight rounds.
Donaire (42-6, 28KOs) stakes his WBC bantamweight title while Inoue (22-0, 19KOs) defends his WBA (Super) and IBF belts on June 7 at Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.