WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire expects a lot of fireworks in the upcoming rematch with Naoya Inoue, who holds the IBF, WBA world titles.
Donaire and Inoue had a war back in 2019, with Inoue getting rocked early on, but dropping Donaire in the eleventh round with a heavy body shot and winning a twelve round unanimous decision. Inoue was able to fight through injuries to get the win, with a fractured orbital bone and broken nose suffered during the bout.
They meet for a second time on June 7, at the Super Arena, in Saitama, Japan.
Donaire has picked up two big wins since then, both by knockout, against unbeaten boxers Nordine Oubaali and Reymart Gaballo.
At 39-years-old, Donaire finds himself in a must-win situation against an opponent who knocked out 19 of his 22 opponents.
Donaire also has power in his fists, with four knockouts in five bouts since dropping down to 118-pounds in 2018.
“Our first fight was brutal and amazing, it was a classic, but the rematch is going to be even better. 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,” Donaire said.
“I am incredibly grateful for the work of [Probellum CEO] Richard [Schaefer] and Probellum in helping to make this fight a reality because 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.”