Naoya Inoue unified the IBF and WBA Bantamweight titles as well as winning the World Boxing Super Series by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over former four-division champion Nonito Donaire in a terrific action fight in Tokyo, Japan.
The fight was ebb and flow throughout as both guys to establish themselves. In round two, Inoue was cut over his right eye from a punch. The cut bothered Inoue as Donaire was able to be more confident which translated into a good activity level. Inoue steadied himself in the middle rounds as he stunned Donaire several times.
Donaire showed his championship mettle by hurting Inoue very badly in round nine when he landed a hard right hand that had “The Monster” holding on. With the cut worsening, Imoue was able to get through the round. Donaire was not able to capitalize and then the fight was sewn up by Inoue has landed a ripping body shot that sent Donaire to the canvas. After weathering Inoue’s storm, Donaire was able to land one of his vaunted left hooks that stunned Inoue. That set up for a round 12 which both fighters stood toe to toe with Inoue getting the better of the action.
Inoue won by scores of 117-109, 116-111 and 114-113 to raise his mark to 19-0. Donaire is now 40-6.
Nordine Oubaali retained the WBC Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Takuma Inoue.
In round four, Oubaalui landed a right to the body that was followed by a huge left to the head that sent Inoue down for the 1st time in his career. Oubaali won most of the rounds with good counter punching. Inoue made one last effort in the final frame as he drove Oubaali into the ropes with a big left hand, but it was too little-too late as Oubaali won by scores of 120-107. 117-110 and 115-112.
Oubaali of France is now 17-0. Inoue of Japan is 13-1.
Shokichi Iwata stopped Alejandeo Cruz Valladares in round five of a scheduled six-round light flyweight bout.
In round five, Valladares began to bleed from his nostrils. Valladares continued to take big shots and was saved by the referee who stopped the bout at 2:10.
Iwata, 107 3/4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is now 4-0 with three knockouts. Valladares, 106 3/4 lbs of Mexico City is 5-2.
