Their first fight was a thriller, but Nonito Donaire believes his rematch against Naoya Inoue will be even better.
In November 2019 the two bantamweights met in the final of the World Boxing Super Series and produced a battle for the ages that would be hard to top.
Donaire is ready to go again and at the same venue – Super Arena, Saitama – as he attempts to add the WBA and IBF 118lb titles to the WBC he won a year ago.
“Our first fight was brutal and amazing, it was a classic, but the rematch is going to be even better,” Donaire said.
The 39-year-old is a living legend of the sport and a sure-fire pick for the International Boxing Hall of Fame one day. After a career that has spanned 21 years, 48 fights and world titles over four divisions many would happily walk away but ‘The Filipino Flash’ wanted ‘The Monster’ one more time.
“I am heading into this monumental fight with a new mindset, because the first contest with Inoue was an awakening for me and I now know I can defeat him,” he said.
“It is not only the fight I wanted, but the one the world wanted as well. June 7, in Japan, is going to be a special evening for the sport and make no mistake, it will end in a Donaire victory.”