MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Nonito Donaire thinks he’s still ‘in tremendous shape’ and will be ready in time for his August clash with fellow Filipino bantamweight champion Johnriel Casimero
Nonito Donaire has felt Naoya Inoue’s power. Johnriel Casimero hasn’t.
No wonder, the two Filipino bantamweight champions who will figure in a unification on Saturday, August 14 (Sunday, August 15, Philippine time) have different views on Inoue’s three-round demolition of Michael Dasmariñas on Saturday night, June 19, at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
According to Casimero, Inoue put up a “good performance” in defending his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation bantamweight crowns against Dasmariñas, but stated things would turn out different when they finally meet in the ring.
That is if Casimero gets past Donaire, a four-division world champion, and at 38, is the new World Boxing Council 118-pound king.
Donaire said Inoue appeared “a lot stronger” than when the Japanese “Monster” beat him by unanimous decision two years ago in Japan but is looking forward to a rematch.
Granting, of course, he beats the confident Casimero.
“I will do my best to win (over Donaire) and meet Inoue next,” Casimero told Fighthype.com. “See you soon (Inoue).”
