Inoue demolished Donaire to retain WBA crown – World Boxing Association

Naoya Inoue is one of the best fighters in the world and on Tuesday he proved it once again by scoring a second round technical knockout in his bout with Filipino legend Nonito Donaire. 

The Saitama Arena did not experience the drama that was expected as the Japanese fighter finished the fight early and retained his World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Bantamweight Championship, the IBF belt and the WBC belt. 

Although both fighters came out with some caution after the first bell, the left hooks and combinations from both fighters foretold that something explosive was coming. Although it was a round without much action, the final seconds brought a right straight from the home fighter that sent Nonito to the canvas, who got up to finish the round.

The effects of the punch lingered for the second round and Donaire would not be seen recovering. Inoue first connected with a left hook that staggered the visitor and attacked him on the ropes with a straight and hook combination that knocked him down again as the referee decided that the fight was over. 

Inoue confirms himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and now owns three crowns. It was his 23rd career victory and his 20th knockout, while the veteran Donaire drops his record to 42 wins, 7 losses and 28 knockouts.