Naoya Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs) got the win over Nonito Donaire (40-7, 26 KOs), but it was far from easy.
“The Monster” was cut and wobbled but nevertheless got a unanimous decision over “The Filipino Flash” in what has to be considered boxing’s “Fight of the Year” at the moment. Not only has he unified the WBA and IBF bantamweight titles and won the World Boxing Super Series tournament, but he’s parlayed that into a promotional contract with Top Rank Boxing and ESPN.
Top Rank made the signing official in the post-fight press conference.
“Naoya Inoue is a generational talent, the sort of fighter who comes around once a decade,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said via press release.