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The Nonito Donaire vs. Naoya Inoue fight is one of the most celebrated bouts in recent boxing history, showcasing a mix of skill, power, and heart. The two fighters faced off twice, first on November 7, 2019, and then in a rematch on June 7, 2022. Both encounters took place in Japan and were part of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS), with the first fight being the final of the Bantamweight tournament. First Fight: November 7, 2019 Background: The 2019 bout was highly anticipated as a clash between the seasoned veteran Nonito “The Filipino Flash“ Donaire, and the rising star Naoya “The Monster“ Inoue. Donaire, a former four-division world champion, was known for his devastating left hook and experience. Inoue, on the other hand, had gained a fearsome reputation for his knockout power and had quickly ascended through the ranks with multiple world titles. The Fight: The fight, held at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, exceeded all expectations. It was a brutal and thrilling contest that saw both fighters push each other to the limit. Round 1-3: Inoue started the fight strong, using his speed and precision to establish his jab and land powerful combinations. Donaire, however, showed his experience and resilience, landing his own shots and keeping the fight competitive. Round 4-6: As the rounds progressed, Donaire began finding success with his left hook, stunning Inoue on multiple occasions. Inoue, though, showed incredible heart, continuing to press forward despite being hurt. The fourth round, in particular, saw a massive exchange where both fighters landed heavy blows. Round 7-9: The middle rounds were a testament to both fighters' toughness. Inoue suffered a cut over his right eye due to a Donaire left hook, but he remained unfazed. The fight remained evenly matched, with both boxers having their moments. Donaire's body shots and left hook continued to trouble Inoue, but the Japanese fighter’s relentless pressure kept him in the fight. Round 10-12: The championship rounds were a display of pure will. In the 11th round, Inoue landed a vicious body shot that sent Donaire to the canvas. Donaire, showing his warrior spirit, got up and fought back, even hurting Inoue in the final round. The fight went the distance, with both men earning the respect of the boxing world. Result: Inoue won by unanimous decision, with scores of 116-111, 117-109, and 114-113. The fight was lauded as a modern classic and won the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year award. Inoue, despite the tough challenge, solidified his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Donaire, despite the loss, gained immense respect for his performance and heart.
