Philippines, 28 Jun 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Supreme test for both Donaire, Inoue


PhilBoxing.com





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 is no doubt he was in 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 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.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Youth Sports Sambo on June 25
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 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.