Nonito Donaire already knows who he wants next after winning the World Boxing Council Bantamweight Championship.
Moments after regaining the crown, the 38-year-old Fil-Am, who became the oldest champion in the division, called out an old nemesis — WBA/IBF/The Ring champion Naoya Inoue.
“What I learned from Inoue is that I’m back.
“I knew I could compete with him, and I was not fighting, I was learning. I’m ready for the next one!” said Donaire, who has been in a stellar run.
Back on November 7, 2019, Donaire and Inoue figured in the finale of the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament.
And it has been hailed not just that year’s best fight, but also a modern-day classic.
Donaire was able to cut Inoue early that forced the Japanese fighter into a tactical battle.
Inoue, who also had a bloodied nose, turned up the aggression in the fifth round with punishing shots — only to see the Filipino saved by the bell.
Donaire would battle back, but a huge body shot by Inoue in the 11th round ended up scoring as a knockdown.
In the end, it was the Japanese Monster who gained the judges’ nod, 117-109, 116-111, 114-113.
And Donaire can’t wait for the sequel.
Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
“That’s why I wanted to win this fight, because that’s my next goal,” he said.
“The only thing I haven’t done in boxing is to become undisputed, and the next phase is getting the rematch.”
