COSTA: INOUE vs CASIMERO, A SECOND LOOK
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 28 Sep 2020
“I think Johnriel Casimero has a legitimate shot against Naoya Inoue,” says award-winning Filipino boxing writer Dong Secuya of Philboxing.
And I absolutely 100% agree with the savvy Dong Secuya, even more so after the Leyteño warrior’s fantastic display of firepower, determination and fighting skills after last Saturday’s fight.
Plus, after veteran Pinoy fighter Nonito Donaire roughly battled Inoue during their thrilling award-winning Fight of the Year battle late last year – breaking the Japanese’s cheek bone – we wonder how confident and sizzling Naoya Inoue can still be?
Some extremely difficult fights could take a toll on boxers, mentally.
For Inoue, that combat against Donaire has been the hardest fight of his life. The fantastic Nippon “Monster” won it by points, but it was supremely tough and completely draining.
That’s why it is important to watch Naoya Inoue’s coming title defense against Australian standout Jason Moloney (21-1, 18 KO’s) in Las Vegas late next month.
Because that coming fight could be a great indicator of how a post-Donaire Inoue stands: if awesome, daring and dazzling as he was before Nonito... or less hot.
It is possible that he might not exactly the same... It is possible that the brilliant Japanese fighter might have been somewhat reduced in confidence?
No one ever fought Inoue the way Donaire did.
The old Nonito might have taken something precious out of Inoue during their intense twelve-rounds last year.
If that's the case, that would affect Inoue's boxing, an aggressive, extraordinary boxing that made him conquer world titles in three different weight-classes.
That we need to find out.
Casimero and Inoue are equally talented 3-division world champions in their prime with superb skills and similar levels of ring experience. That we do not see that often. It's a true boxing treat.
Their clash must be inevitable, unavoidable.
Casimero vs Inoue for the unified WBA/IBF/WBO bantamweight titles would be one of the marquee fights for the 2021 boxing calendar. Let's see if this time it materializes.
Let's hope yes.
Will keep you posted.
The author, veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa, can be reached via email: carlos512@hotmail.com or WhatsApp: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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