Philippines, 24 Feb 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:

  • Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • San Diego’S Boxing Stars Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour to Headline the Inaugural Edition of Sd Fight Night on April 18, 2026, at Frontwave Arena
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Fighting for NBA Americas title
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Integrated Sports to distribute ‘The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One PPV’ on Sunday, March 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • 125 climbers reach Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Opening Round Bouts Set for Team USA at 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Mon, 23 Feb 2026
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Set to Compete at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria
    , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • SMEP, SAEP round 6 standoff in PTC WED NEMO 4th D’ Engineers Chess Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • “Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • "Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Pacman bout details revealed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
    , Fri, 20 Feb 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.