Philippines, 29 Mar 2023
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        




 
 
News  


DRAMA IN SAITAMA: SUMIO YAMADA PHOTOS


PhilBoxing.com




Globe-trotting photographer Sumio Yamada captured some of dramatic moments of the 'Drama in Saitama' as the now unified IBF/WBA world bantamweight champion and winner of the World Boxing Super Series Muhammad Ali Trophy Naoya 'The Monster' Inoue prevailed over future Hall of Famer four division world champion Nonito Donaire Jnr in an enthralling encounter at the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan Thursday night, Nov. 7.

The younger, faster and more powerful Inoue got the better of Donaire in the first half of the contest specially in the fifth round where the celebrated Japanese puncher beat the Filipino Flash to the punch almost at will. Judge Octavio Rodrigues of Panama scored the round 10-8 in favor of Inoue. Although Inoue was dominant, Donaire inflicted a cut above Inoue's right eyebrow in the second round that cause blood to pour at Inoue's face throughout the contest.






Donaire has his moments in the fight.

Donaire rallied in the 8th and in the 9th round, he staggered Inoue with a powerful overhand right. Inoue had to hold Donaire to survive the round. With his confidence back, Donaire was looking for an opening to finish his opponent in the championship rounds. Inoue, who had not gone beyond the 10th round since 2016, looked tired and ready for taking and appeared the fight had slipped from his hands.


Inoue delivers the left that drops Donaire.



But as fate would have it, it was the Inoue who turned the tables on the Filipino and came back strong to snatch all the remaining rounds highlighted by a vicious left to Donaire's body in the penultimate round that sent the former fighter of the year reeling to the canvas. It was a miracle Donaire was able to finish the fight on his feet.

The fight delivered as advertised and definitely should be considered as a candidate for the fight of the year. There was no shame in Donaire's loss even as many experts gave him little change to survive Inoue's powerful punches. For Inoue, 26, with his fast hands, power and skill, he will continue to become a terror in the bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions for years to come.


Inoue raises the Muhammad Ali trophy after Thursday's scintillating victory over Donaire.


The judges' scorecards.



Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • The Past Week in Action 29 March 2023: Benavidez Outpoints Plant; Okolie Defeats Light; Ramirez KOs Commey
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 29 Mar 2023
  • The King’s Gambit: Undisputed Lightweight Champion Devin Haney to Defend Crown Against Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20
    , Wed, 29 Mar 2023
  • NM OJ Reyes to grace Tarlac Youth chess event
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 29 Mar 2023
  • GYM BOXING SERIES MONTREAL CASINO BARRIERE VS. MARSHALL April 20, Montreal Casino Cabaret
    , Wed, 29 Mar 2023
  • Female boxing pioneer Maureen Shea seeks justice after being passed over for world title fight
    , Wed, 29 Mar 2023
  • MATCHROOM POOL LAUNCHES SPANISH OPEN IN STRING OF ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SPAIN
    , Wed, 29 Mar 2023
  • JOSHUA VS. FRANKLIN FIGHT WEEK KICKS OFF AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION
    , Tue, 28 Mar 2023
  • FRANKLIN: I WANT TO KNOCK HIS ASS OUT, THAT'S THE GOAL!
    , Tue, 28 Mar 2023
  • Unbeaten cruiserweight prospect Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro Seeking redemption this Saturday
    , Tue, 28 Mar 2023
  • Boxing Returns April 7th to Emerald Queen Casino
    , Tue, 28 Mar 2023
  • The TMZ Audio Network - Last Days Podcast: "Macho Man" Randy Savage
    , Tue, 28 Mar 2023
  • GOLDEN BOY SIGNS LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT JOHNNY “SUGARCANE” CAÑAS OF SANTA ANA, CALIF.
    , Tue, 28 Mar 2023
  • Demler Zamora III Delivers Striking KO to Remain Undefeated
    , Mon, 27 Mar 2023
  • PBA Greats Alvin Patrimonio, Atoy Co, Jerry Codinera wish ‘Iron Man’ LA Tenorio well
    By Eddie Alinea, , Mon, 27 Mar 2023
  • Crowley admits Davao was hottest race ever
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 27 Mar 2023
  • Mind Power Chess Team dominates GM Eugene Torre FIDE Rapid Seniors Chess Team Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Mar 2023
  • Fresno Fire: Jose Ramirez Pummels Richard Commey in 11
    , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • Crowley, Azevedo win Ironman 70.3 Davao
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • Edora, Suelo, Orduna rule San Manuel, Tarlac Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • SPORTSCLOPEDIA 48: MERCITO GESTA LIVES UP TO HIS NICKNAME "NO MERCY"
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • Blow-By-Blow: Giemel Magramo Stops Sanchai Yotboon in 2
    , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • Garin Diagan Edges Huu Toan Le, Becomes the New WBA Asia 105 Champ in Vietnam
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • Magramo decisions Lino, retains title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • Undefeated Heavyweight Antonio Mireles to Take on Patrick Mailata Tonight Live on ESPN
    , Sun, 26 Mar 2023
  • Weights from Atlantic City
    , Sun, 26 Mar 2023




  •  



     
    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
    © 2023 philboxing.com.