Former Naoya Inoue foe predicts winner in Junto Nakatani fight.
The biggest all-Japanese fight in boxing history takes place this Saturday, as Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani meet to determine the best fighter from their country of this era (and maybe even of all time).
The gargantuan event sees the two pound-for-pound stars put their unbeaten records on the line, with Inoue looking to make the 7th consecutive defence of his undisputed super-bantamweight crown.
Whoever wins, it is bound to be a superb spectacle, and those wanting to witness history live should tune in on Saturday.
Of Inoue’s previous opponents, there are only a handful who have given him any sort of trouble. While Luis Nery and Ramon Cardenas dropped him, there is one man who made “The Monster” look even more human.
When Inoue fought Nonito Donaire in 2019, he won by unanimous decision. However, he also suffered a fractured orbital bone and a broken nose in a bout that won “Fight of the Year” honours from The Ring.
Their rematch in 2022 was much less competitive, with Inoue bombing Donaire out in two rounds.
Still actively competing at 43 years old, Donaire has had his say on his two-time opponent’s upcoming fight with Nakatani.
“I think that’s an excellent fight, a must-see fight”, Donaire stated. “I believe that fight is very entertaining. Both guys can hit, both guys are dangerous, and the dynamic of their styles makes this fight very entertaining.”
As for who he thinks will win, Donaire said, “I would go with Inoue. I believe it has to be a knockout because both guys are going to go for it.”
A four-division world champion, Donaire himself was a truly great fighter, and the Filipino will no doubt see himself in the International Boxing Hall of Fame one day.
Should his prediction be proven right this Saturday, the first performance Donaire put in against the Japanese superstar will only age even better.
Want to get the latest boxing news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
