Philippines, 02 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


FATHER KNOWS BEST -- INOUE-DONAIRE IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

PhilBoxing.com




Both Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire have their fathers in the corner in tonight’s WBSS Bantamweight Ali Trophy final at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Donaire Sr. breaks down his son’s chances.

There is no ‘Monster’ without Shingo Inoue, no ‘Filipino Flash’ without Nonito Donaire Sr. They are fathers and trainers who have guided their sons to become the best in the world.

Nonito Donaire Sr. told he is ‘happy to be back in the mix’ after teaming up with head coach Kenny Adams in the build-up to his son’s WBSS final in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“It’s going to be exciting, Nonito is really motivated for this fight,“ said Donaire Sr., a former amateur boxer, and added: “He’s been knocking down sparring partners in training camp.

Donaire Jr. wrote ‘My dad and I have been at this for 26 years now. We got this!’ with a picture of the Donaire duo posted on social media, and Sr. approves the message:

“Nonito is smart, he is experienced and he knows how to hit you,” said the father-trainer who have led his son to win world championships in three separate weight classes.

“If Nonito lands his punches man, he’ll win. I see the final as 60-40 in Nonito’s favour. The key is not to get hit because you don’t know what happens if you get hit with a good shot from someone like Inoue.”

Donaire Sr. has trained the 36-year-old four-division titleholder for over a quarter of a decade, and he believes there is still a lot of flashes left in the Filipino tank.

“He is not drinking or anything, and he hasn’t been hit much. He is healthy and is not having any serious injuries. He still looks young to me.”

Donaire Jr. opened up the tournament with a fourth-round stoppage win over Ryan Burnett, who was forced to quit due to a lower back injury. He followed it up with a sixth-round knockout of replacement Stephon Young, who stepped in for injured Zolani Tete, in the semi-final. Now he is facing the ‘Monster’ in the WBSS Bantamweight Ali Trophy Final with the WBA ‘Super’, IBF & Ring Magazine World titles on the line, live via DAZN in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the UK.

Muhammad Ali Trophy champions:

2017-18: Aleksandr Usyk, Cruiserweight

2017-18: Callum Smith, Super Middleweight

2018-19: Josh Taylor, Super-Lightweight




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Santiago-Taniguchi Final Presser
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Jimuel in Action on Friday!
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • “Rumble in the Une” Makes History in Union City with Star-Studded Fight Card Headlined by Jacob Macalolooy
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Is Floyd chickening out?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • PBF president Almario dies
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • PH chess wizard seven-year old Noah Lucas Palcis finishes second in Bangkok chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • 2 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • ‘I won’t be holding anything back! – Big Bad Bazley challenges The Pilgrim Ryan Williams for Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • ZAYAS AND BOOTS CLASH IN UNIFIED BLOCKBUSTER AT BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN ON JUNE 27 – LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON DAZN PPV
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • 13-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Filipino boy, 15, wins US chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • 60 Years of Top Rank: Bob Arum’s First Fight Launched a Boxing Empire
    , Mon, 30 Mar 2026
  • Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA History
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 30 Mar 2026
  • Bryan Acosta Wins WBA Continental Americas Featherweight Championship with Unanimous Decision over Ronny Rios in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Thunder Studios in Long Beach
    , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Filipino boy, 9, wins in Canada chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Vagabov and Ziyaev crowned champions at IBA Bare Knuckle 4 in Saint Petersburg
    , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Sherwin Tiu captures Kamatyas Open Chess crown
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Fundora vs Thurman: Can Keith Thurman Shake Off The Rust?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.