Naoya Inoue v Nonito Donaire Rematch is Official for June 7!
On February 26, 3Kings Boxing reported that promoter Bob Arum stated that negotiations were close to being finalized for a rematch between unified Naoya Inoue (22-0, 19 KOs) and Nonito Donaire (42-6, 28 KOs). Promising at that time to provide you with further updates, here are the latest developments.
RUNNING IT BACK
At a press event in Japan, Inoue announced that negotiations are done. The fight will happen on June 7 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. After the announcement, the Japanese superstar posted the following on social media.
Saitama Arena is the same venue as their previous battle in November 2019, when they fought in the finals of the WBSS Bantamweight tournament. In what turned out to be Fight of the Year for 2019, Inoue defeated Donaire by unanimous decision to become a unified bantamweight champion.
ANOTHER CLASSIC?
Inoue is regarded as one of the elite fighters in the sport. Donaire has rebounded strongly from that setback. Despite his advanced age, the 39-year-old looked terrific in a fourth-round KO over Oubaali to win the WBC belt in May 2021. Likewise for his subsequent title defense, stopping Reymart Gaballo in four in December 2021.
At the time of this writing, there is no information on whether Inoue-Donaire II would be aired live in the United States. However, with Inoue co-promoted by Arum and Top Rank, one would guess something is in the works behind the scenes.
Fans have been asking for Inoue-Donaire II since their first encounter. Now they get their wish. On paper, the rematch has the potential to be as good as their first fight.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
