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:
Carlos Cañizales Forced to Cancel Flight to Thailand for WBC World Title Defense
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Boxing Champions Promotions to Present Manny Pacquiao & Freddie Roach with Inaugural “Centurion Awards” During Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event on November 29
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Atif Oberlton Takes on Vaughn Alexander on Saturday, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Iligan tops in PEKAF Mindanao qualifying tourney
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 27 Nov 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2026 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th
Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Renowned Boxing Trainer Bob Santos Launches Private Boxing Camp in Las Vegas
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20
Wed, 26 Nov 2025WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Confirms World Title Fight with David Benavidez on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Petecio in, Paalam out
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Takuma Inoue World Champion Again; Beats Nasukawa for Vacant WBC Belt
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 26 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 3: 1920 OLYMPIC GAMES AT ANTWERP, BELGIUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Badenas TKO’s Saknosiwi in 10th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Las Vegas & California Amateurs Shine in a Powerful Fall Rumble Weekend Followed by a Heartfelt Turkey Drive for Local Families
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Santa Run Davao on December 14 at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Alec “The Rock” Del Rio Fights for WBC Asia Title Friday in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 25 Nov 2025