INOUE HAS DEFEATED FOUR FILIPINO BOXERS
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 26 Jan 2020
WBA and IBF bantamweight champion Naoya "The Monster" Inoue of Zama, Kanagawa, Japan is slated to face WBO bantamweight title holder Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero of Ormoc City, Leyte. In his 19 undefeated fights with 16 KOs so far, the three-division world champion has defeated four Filipino opponents, three by stoppage and one via the distance.
* * *
In his professional debut, Inoue defeated Crison Omayao (24-22-5, 8 KOs) of Valencia, Bukidnon on October 2, 2012 by 4th round KO. He stopped Jerson Mancio (18-6-3, 9 KOs) of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur by 5th round TKO on December 6, 2013 to capture the vacant OPBF light-flyweight title.
* * *
He demolished Warlito Parrenas (26-10-0, 23 KOs) of Cadiz, Negros Occidental by 2nd round TKO on December 29, 2015. The referee halted the fight in the second round, after Parrenas was floored twice, handing Inoue a win by stoppage. With the victory, he defended his WBO junior-bantamweight title.
* * *
Then during his latest bout, he won over Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire (40-6-0, 26 KOs) of Talibon, Bohol on November 7, 2019 by unanimous decision with scores of 116–111, 117–109 and 114–113. He retained his IBF and The Ring bantamweight titles and wrested Donaire's WBA (Super) bantamweight title. It was the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight final.
* * *
The Inoue-Donaire encounter was a very exciting match with a display of magnificent fighting heart and tremendous endurance by both ring gladiators, and was voted by the Boxing Writers Association of America as Fight of the Year. They exchanged punishing blows in the first half of the fight. A devastating left hook from Donaire inflected a dangerous cut above Inoue's right eye which blurred his vision. Inoue however was not threatened and kept retaliating with solid punches.
* * *
In the fifth round Inoue had Donaire in trouble, but was saved by the bell. However, the 36-year-old Filipino showcased a lot of veteran savvy and began to hurt Inoue more in the second half of the fight, especially in the ninth round where he connected a devastating right hand that bloodied Inoue's face. At the eleventh round, Inoue dropped Donaire with a staggering left hook to the liver, but he got up at a count of 9 and fought relentlessly until the final bell.
Inoue throws the body shot that downs Donaire.
* * *
Inoue was awarded the Muhammad Ali Trophy by Fighting Harada, the former world flyweight and bantamweight champion and currently the president of the Japanese Boxing Association. At a post fight interview, Inoue revealed that he suffered a fractured orbital bone in the second round which made his eyes see double vision, and Donaire's punch also broke his nose.
* * *
“Donaire is a very, very strong opponent,” Inoue said. “I had double vision starting in the second round. But I’m very proud of myself and I believe I have a bright future.” When asked about his comment regarding Donaire recovering from the knockdown in the 11th round, Inoue said, “Donaire was a true champion. He’s very strong. I was victorious, but I’m not the greatest of all time yet. I have to get stronger. I will keep fighting, and I want to be the strongest of all time.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Simona Winkler, Salim Ellis-Bey and Noelle Haro Advance to Medal Rounds At 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
Sun, 26 Apr 2026Sanman 100 Official Weigh-In Results from General Santos
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov stops Usmonov, Agrba wins hard test, and Aminova claims WBA Asia title at IBA.PRO 17 in Ufa
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Pero vs Miller: Heavies Collide in Prove it fight on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov Stops Usmonov in Russia, Claims IBF No. 2 Spot at Lightweight
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Yeow Ming to fight in Bangkok for ABF title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026MILLER VS. PERO - WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHT’S ACTION
Sat, 25 Apr 2026IBA Pro Champions Night to feature world champions in Saint Petersburg
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Noelle Haro and Marie Rosendo Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Four of 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Bautista to face Dulayba at Okada on April 30
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026LAS VEGAS FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AS MILLER AND PERO COLLIDE IN WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR – LIVE ON DAZN
Fri, 24 Apr 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Amari “The Reaper” Jones Headlines First-Ever DAZN Card Against Former World Champion Vincenzo “Il Capo” Gualtieri
Fri, 24 Apr 2026Mexican female stars Mayelli Flores and Irma ¨Torbellino¨ Garcia sign with MVP
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Basil to fight Britanico on April 26 in Delpan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Race briefing of Mt. Apo Boulder Face on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026