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:
THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 20: MUHAMMAD ALI VS. JOE FRAZIER III ON OCTOBER 1, 1975 AT THE ARANETA COLISEUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 16 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: History of Boxing in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 16 Oct 2025YORK HALL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS CONWAY AND LIDDARD GET SET FOR HUGE DOMESTIC CLASH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Unbeaten Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes Set for Return on October 18 Against Derlyn Hernandez-Geraldo in Long Beach
Wed, 15 Oct 2025JOEL “LETHAL” LEWIS RETURNS NOV 28TH THUNDERDOME 52 – METRO CITY PERTH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
Wed, 15 Oct 2025MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
Wed, 15 Oct 2025WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Oct 2025YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
Wed, 15 Oct 2025BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
Wed, 15 Oct 2025GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
Wed, 15 Oct 2025SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Nikita Tszyu Health Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 15 Oct 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
By Eric Armit, Tue, 14 Oct 2025Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
Tue, 14 Oct 2025