---
title: "Inoue and Donaire Face-Off in Tokyo Ahead of WBSS Final on November 7"
canonical: "https://boxing-social.com/news/inoue-donaire-face-off-tokyo-ahead-wbss-final-november-7/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Rob Tebbutt"
section: "News"
published: "2019-08-26T12:15:15Z"
modified: "2019-08-26T12:15:26Z"
---

# Inoue and Donaire Face-Off in Tokyo Ahead of WBSS Final on November 7

Japan’s ‘Monster’ Naoya Inoue *(18-0, 16 KO’s)* and legendary Filipino-American Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire *(40-5, 26 KO’s)* met on Monday in Tokyo ahead of their showdown for the 118lb Ali Trophy at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on November 7.

*“I recognise how important the WBSS final is to my career,”* said 26-year-old Inoue, WBA ‘Regular’ and IBF World Bantamweight titlist.

*“And how important it will be for my career going forward. I am very aware there are high expectations of me from everyone.*

*“When this tournament started Nonito Donaire was the fighter I wanted to fight most. I am truly pleased that I am able to fight him in the final of this tournament.  So, on November 7th I will give everything I have in this tournament final and attain the Ali Trophy.*

*“This fight is against Inoue who is one of the best fighters in the world,”* said Donaire 36-year-old, WBC Diamond and WBA ‘Super’ World Bantamweight Champion.

*“To see where my career has been and what people have said about where I am and coming back to the division it inspires me, it motivates me, but most of all it excites me. This is where I wanna be.”*

*“It is going to be amazing to see the Ali Trophy be lifted by one of these sensational athletes,”* adds Kalle Sauerland, Chief Boxing Officer of Comosa, the organiser of the World Boxing Super Series.

*“On November 7 at the Saitama Super Arena, one of the largest indoor arenas in the world, it is the defining moment for the ‘Monster’ and ‘The Filipino Flash’. It is going to be a drama: The Drama in Saitama!”*

**The road to Saitama and the concluding bout in the bantamweight edition of Season II of the World Boxing Super Series:**

Tournament No. 2 seed Inoue knocked out Juan Carlos Payano 70 seconds into their quarter-final and then stopped Emmanuel Rodriguez in round two of the semi as he blasted his way to the final contest for the coveted Ali Trophy.

Unseeded Donaire defeated No. 1 seed, Ryan Burnett, as he suffered a lower back injury and had to withdraw from their quarter-final, and then knocked out replacement Stephon Young in round five after Zolani Tete was ruled out of their semi due to a shoulder injury.

Fans are advised to [sign-up to receive ticket alerts about the Season II Finals here](https://worldboxingsuperseries.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=52ad36a5e8e7b79e15f89ff0f&id=a7551a7a7a&e=05ae660d95),

DAZN, the world’s largest dedicated live sports streaming service, will exclusively bring U.S. fight fans the WBSS Season II Finals. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit [DAZN.com](https://worldboxingsuperseries.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=52ad36a5e8e7b79e15f89ff0f&id=ca276a2a5e&e=05ae660d95) or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

*Source: World Boxing Super Series \[Press Release\]*

*Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda*