Mobile Home | Desktop Version




DRAMA IN SAITAMA: SUMIO YAMADA PHOTOS

By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 08 Nov 2019



Globe-trotting photographer Sumio Yamada captured some of dramatic moments of the 'Drama in Saitama' as the now unified IBF/WBA world bantamweight champion and winner of the World Boxing Super Series Muhammad Ali Trophy Naoya 'The Monster' Inoue prevailed over future Hall of Famer four division world champion Nonito Donaire Jnr in an enthralling encounter at the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan Thursday night, Nov. 7.

The younger, faster and more powerful Inoue got the better of Donaire in the first half of the contest specially in the fifth round where the celebrated Japanese puncher beat the Filipino Flash to the punch almost at will. Judge Octavio Rodrigues of Panama scored the round 10-8 in favor of Inoue. Although Inoue was dominant, Donaire inflicted a cut above Inoue's right eyebrow in the second round that cause blood to pour at Inoue's face throughout the contest.






Donaire has his moments in the fight.

Donaire rallied in the 8th and in the 9th round, he staggered Inoue with a powerful overhand right. Inoue had to hold Donaire to survive the round. With his confidence back, Donaire was looking for an opening to finish his opponent in the championship rounds. Inoue, who had not gone beyond the 10th round since 2016, looked tired and ready for taking and appeared the fight had slipped from his hands.


Inoue delivers the left that drops Donaire.



But as fate would have it, it was the Inoue who turned the tables on the Filipino and came back strong to snatch all the remaining rounds highlighted by a vicious left to Donaire's body in the penultimate round that sent the former fighter of the year reeling to the canvas. It was a miracle Donaire was able to finish the fight on his feet.

The fight delivered as advertised and definitely should be considered as a candidate for the fight of the year. There was no shame in Donaire's loss even as many experts gave him little change to survive Inoue's powerful punches. For Inoue, 26, with his fast hands, power and skill, he will continue to become a terror in the bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions for years to come.


Inoue raises the Muhammad Ali trophy after Thursday's scintillating victory over Donaire.


The judges' scorecards.



Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 21: THE RELATIONSHIP OF MUHAMMAD ALI AND JOE FRAZIER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Sumabong is new WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Happy Birthday Reymart Soledad!
    By Carlos Costa, Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • October 30: Mary Spencer-Mikaela Mayer Super Welterweight Title Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel
    Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Pinoy chessers off to hot start in Italy World Senior Chess Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Finalists for the WBC Grand Prix are Set
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Traya to fight again in Thailand on Oct. 25
    By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Texas super middleweight Darius Fulghum Preparing to get back in the title hunt
    Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Aaron Pryor honored on his 70th birthday anniversary
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • DUONG SUFFERS SHOCK EXIT AS GORST OPENS STRONG IN MANILA
    Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo makes a comeback in the Philippine Open
    By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 OCTOBER 2025: Danny Garcia KOs Daniel Gonzalez; Juarez Defeats Nery; Bormann Unifies Belt vs Kuroki
    By Eric Armit, Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • "Round of the Year" Candidate Unfolds in Explosive Clash Between Undefeated Prospect Sebastian Juarez and Veteran Demarcus Layton
    Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba's Tribe wins 4 straight in PCAP Tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • GREEN TAM, RINGO LAM, HARPREET SINGH SCORE CRUSHING TKO WINS MONDAY IN THAILAND
    By Carlos Costa, Tue, 21 Oct 2025