Donaire has secret plan for Inoue
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 27 Oct 2019
Super WBA bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. is keeping his gameplan for Naoya Inoue close to his chest and the only thing he’ll disclose is it’s a perfect antidote for the Japanese when they clash in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) final at the Super Saitama Arena on Nov. 7.
Donaire, 36, is in town for the final stage of his training and works out at the UFC Gym in Alabang. He arrived last Sunday and is sparring with Bebot Elorde’s fighters Glenn Medura and Jun Blazo. His father Dodong takes care of the punch-mitts. Donaire and his traveling party, including wife Rachel, their children Jarel and Logan, mother-in-law Becky Marcial and father, will leave for Japan on Wednesday. Chief trainer Kenny Adams will join Donaire in Japan.
“I’m not in the habit of watching my opponents on film,” said Donaire. “Kenny and my dad have studied Inoue closely, looking for tendencies, breaking down his style. I’d rather wait for fight night. That’s when I’ll see what he’s really got and I’ll do what it takes to win. I’ll fight smart, that’s my edge. My experience will carry me through.”
Donaire said something must be bothering Inoue for him to recently divulge to media that he’s preparing to go 12 rounds. “He knows I’ve got tremendous power and it’s making him re-think his options,” said the Filipino Flash. “Inoue has idolized me for years and people say he does a lot of things I do. If he plans to box, that’s not Inoue. Offense is his go-to thing. He’s aggressive, he goes all out, targets the body, throws a lot of punches. He has a good arsenal. Fighters don’t change. They do what they’re used to. I’m expecting Inoue to attack because that’s his style.”
Defense isn’t Inoue’s strong suit and Donaire said it’s a weakness. He didn’t elaborate how he intends to exploit the weakness but he’ll likely counter and time his shots when Inoue’s defense opens up as he flails away. “Offense is his defense,” said Donaire.
Inoue, 26, has hired Filipino fighters Albert Pagara and Genesis Servania as his sparmates. Pagara was recently quoted in Japanese media as saying Inoue has more power and speed and better footwork than Donaire, considering he’s sparred with both. Donaire said he’ll let his fists do the talking in the ring.
Donaire said he’s on track to make weight. He’s now at 128 and trimming down to 118 isn’t a problem. “I’m more focused than ever before,” he said. “I’m excited about this fight. So is my team. I’m confident.”
Inoue has faced three Filipinos so far and knocked out Crison Omayao, Jerson Mancio and Warlito Parrenas. As an amateur in Jakarta in 2011, he decisioned ABAP fighter Ian Clark Bautista, 23-10, in the President’s Cup final. His amateur record was 75-6, with 48 KOs and RSCs. As a pro, Inoue’s slate is 18-0, with 16 KOs. Only Ryoichi Taguchi in 2013 and David Carmona in 2016 have gone the distance with Inoue who is called The Monster. Inoue has won world titles in the lightflyweight, superflyweight and bantamweight divisions.
Donaire’s record is 40-5, with 26 KOs. He’s 10 years older than Inoue but in his view, that translates into an advantage with more experience. He has claimed world crowns in the flyweight, superflyweight (interim), bantamweight, superbantamweight and featherweight divisions. Donaire is featured in an upcoming book on the 50 greatest Filipino athletes with other boxers Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Flash Elorde, Donnie Nietes, Onyok Velasco and Gerry Penalosa.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Matchroom Boxing reveals major fights in UK & Ireland schedule from August to October
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Colombia National Congress Awarded "Kid Pambelé" with Grand Cross Knight
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 21 Jul 2026MILO Marathon returns to Davao on August 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Jul 2026PHILBOXING.COM WEEKEND ROUNDUP: News, Fallout, and the Long Shadow of Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026Joe Hand Promotions Secures Commercial Rights for Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu Showdown
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Grandy Twins Head to Tampa to Learn from Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright Ahead of August 14 Homecoming Fight
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Extends Brentwood Town Fc Partnership as Principle Partner for Next Five Years as Barry Hearn Obe Provides Significant Investment to Non-League Football Club
Tue, 21 Jul 2026IBA Pro announces departure of Director Al Siesta
Mon, 20 Jul 2026Suarez sends strong signal
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 20 Jul 2026THE CORNER SHIFT: Can Ronnie Shields Rebuild Errol Spence Jr. After the Derrick James Fallout?
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 20 Jul 2026Yusniel Abrahante Shocks Undefeated Luis Coria in Dominant Performance Live on ProBox TV
Sun, 19 Jul 2026Salamov stops Suarez as Borshchev beats Brito at historic IBA Bare Knuckle US debut
Sun, 19 Jul 2026Pichay re-elected NCFP prexy, eyes more GMs
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 19 Jul 2026Olympus Rising by TWC - Amateur MMA Fight on Saturday; live broadcast via Kalaro 3.0 Sports Super-app
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 19 Jul 2026Suarez Obliterates Avila in One-Round Blitz to Capture WBO International Crown (Photos)
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 19 Jul 2026