Naoya Inoue wants to be undisputed, seeking Casimero and Donaire
Unified bantamweight champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (20-0, 17ko) is set to take on IBF mandatory fighter Michael Dasmarinas (30-2-1, 20ko) on June 19. However, he wants to become undisputed by fighting a rematch with WBC champion Nonito Donaire and WBO champion John Riel Casimero. The Monster is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport of boxing. He has won a championship in three different weight divisions and has a stellar resume. He is also one of the reasons why the smaller weight division is enjoying so much attention.
In 2019, during the World Boxing Super Series tournament, Inoue handed IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez his first career defeat via devastating second-round knockout. The finals saw The Monster face then WBA champion Donaire, who turned back the hands of time with his performance. Despite having both of his orbital bones broken, Inoue was able to get the unanimous decision. Donaire has since regained a championship by upsetting WBC champion Nordine Oubaali on May 29.
Casimero has been on the heels of Inoue since his surprise upset victory over the WBO champion Zolani Tete back in November 2019. Equally important, fans thought the fight between Inoue and Casimero was going to take place when it was announced back in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the fight from happening. In September 2020, Casimero would return in to ring with another brutal third-round destruction of Duke Micah.
Inoue was interviewed during the intermission of ESPN’s Shakur Stevenson vs Jeremiah Nakathila fight. He has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success, and he was asked what still motivates him.
“For right now, my motivation is to unify all four titles, so you have Casimero and Donaire. That is who I want to fight. That is my motivation for now.”
By: Garrisson Bland
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