THE DRAMA IN SAITAMA! INOUE WINS ALI TROPHY AFTER WAR WITH DONAIRE
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 08 Nov 2019
Naoya Inoue overcame the heroic Nonito Donaire to claim a points victory to win the Ali Trophy in the bantamweight edition of the World Boxing Super Series in Saitama, Japan.
The three judges scored the bout 116-111, 117-109, 114-113 in favour of Inoue.
And what a drama it was.
Four weight champion Donaire opened a cut above Inoue’s right eye with a left hook in the second round. The Filipino-American was then in control until the fifth when Japanese Inoue landed a right hook to the jaw, stunning the legend and seizing momentum.
But Inoue’s ‘Monster’ reputation as one of the planet’s most fearsome fighters was put in serious jeopardy in the ninth as Donaire rocked him with a sensational counter right, leaving his opponent reeling for the first time in his career.
In the closing rounds, Donaire took a knee after a body shot in the 11th, although he would bravely withstand to hear the final bell.
In respect of each other’s epic performances 26-year-old Inoue and 36-year-old Donaire embraced after their back-and-forth battle.
“Donaire was a very, very strong opponent,” said Inoue, who also became the unified IBF and WBA bantamweight champion. “This is the first cut I have had in my career. I think Donaire is a true champion.
The Muhammad Ali Trophy was presented to Inoue by Japanese boxing legend Masahiko Harada better known as Fighting Harada, a former world champion in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions.
“Winning the Ali Trophy is the biggest thing so far in my career and I see a bright future in front of me. I am not the greatest of all time yet, but that is the goal.”
“We’ve seen ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’, ‘The Thriller in Manilla’ and now we have seen the ‘Drama in Saitama,” said Kalle Sauerland, Chief Boxing Officer of the WBSS.
“It was incredible. Just when you think it can’t get any better coming from the super-lightweight final with Prograis and Taylor at The O2 in London you fly over here … amazing fight week, 20,000 people at the Saitama Arena.
“This was the Fight of the Year. It was a very close fight. Hats off to Nonito Donaire and what can you say about Inoue, unbelievable. This fight for me, out of the live fights I’ve seen, is definitely the best I ever, ever seen. I’ve said it before, the World Boxing Super Series brings the best against the best. The boxing gods are smiling at us tonight.”
Muhammad Ali Trophy champions:
2018-19: Naoya Inoue, Bantamweight
2018-19: Josh Taylor, Super-Lightweight
2017-18: Aleksandr Usyk, Cruiserweight
2017-18: Callum Smith, Super Middleweight
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Santiago-Taniguchi Final Presser
Wed, 01 Apr 2026Jimuel in Action on Friday!
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 01 Apr 2026“Rumble in the Une” Makes History in Union City with Star-Studded Fight Card Headlined by Jacob Macalolooy
Wed, 01 Apr 2026Is Floyd chickening out?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 Apr 2026IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
Wed, 01 Apr 2026PBF president Almario dies
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 01 Apr 2026PH chess wizard seven-year old Noah Lucas Palcis finishes second in Bangkok chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 01 Apr 20262 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 01 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
By Eric Armit, Tue, 31 Mar 2026Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 31 Mar 2026‘I won’t be holding anything back! – Big Bad Bazley challenges The Pilgrim Ryan Williams for Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 31 Mar 2026ZAYAS AND BOOTS CLASH IN UNIFIED BLOCKBUSTER AT BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN ON JUNE 27 – LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON DAZN PPV
Tue, 31 Mar 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
Tue, 31 Mar 2026