Could go either way but I think the Nonito that fought Montiel is a bit more destructive than Inoue. His feet have slowed down a bit over the years. Nonito lost his way a couple of times in his career not so much in terms of level but his approach to fights. I am glad he came into the fight yesterday not only relying on his left hook which he did a lot at 122 and then at 126. He knew Inoue was going to be handful and that he needed to bring more to the table in his boxing ability. I have Inoue at #2 on my list just ahead of Usyk. Crawford needs a big fight. He can easily be in anyones top 3 but his competition at 147 is the reason I have dropped him down to #5.
Prime Donaire lost his way very well said. He was changing trainers. Had beef with his dad he wanted to be his own man. I mean, completely went away from his roots of being a boxer and puncher and went wild swinging KO artist. I remember him to being un-happy about his relationship with his dad the one that molded him to be the boxer he is. Good to see them mend and go back to their roots. Inoue has a solid team around him they get a long well. Solid team with no dramas. I'd still say prime for prime it's a 50/50 fight.
I think this is a very objective analysis. Inoue showed that he is indeed human, and not just a monster. He has flaws, and, he can be hurt. But, he also proved that he has heart. And, that not only can he fight through adversity, but that he can keep the heat on his opponents for the full 12 rounds.
The first real hard body shot Inoue landed put Donaire down for about 15 seconds. Inoue just wasn't throwing it last night.
Naoya had a press conference today, and he confessed one thing. When he got cut, he said the cut itself was okay, but what problem was his right eye had damaged, and got double sight. Then he had to change his strategy to point out, giving up ko win. The reason why hid his right face by his globe was, he said, not to protect the crack, but to mask his right eye, so that he is not annoyed by double sight. He tried not to let Donire aware of the fact, and fortunately he said he succeeded it. With that condition, he showed that great performance, which is incredible.
Exactly. Rigo could pop the bubble although he's getting on in age. Inoue is a very good boxer, don't get me wrong, but smashing tomato cans is not a predictor for taking on elite boxers.
He ate some powerful shots from Nonito. Definitely earned my respect and I would not argue with anyone putting him in the top position. He fought through adversity against a revitalized Nonito. If Donaire just went through the motions and fought like Kov did in the recent Canelo fight, I don’t think the win would have been as impressive. He beat a guy who cane to fight and showed skill and poise in the process. Major props to Inoue for his performance. No way should he be penalized for that performance.
Or that Khan always looks good for a few rounds, then gets found out. Canelo stomped him. Crawford took many rounds to get to him, and that was like 2-3 years AFTER Canelo sparked him.
I find it strange people are taking away credit from Inoue here. Donaire is a quality win, people are looking past him because his route to the final wasnt great but yet are giving major props to Canelo for beating Kovalev when Kovalev is on worse form than Donaire. I mean look at Donaire, hes tirelessly fought at tip level for years and his only defeats are to top level fighters in Rigo, Walters, Frampton and Magdelano. You can argue he beat Magdelano, he hurt Frampton though looked outsized, had Walters on the verge of being stopped and well he dropped Rigo but was otherwise outclassed. The Burnett win was unfortunate die tot he injury but its arguable Donaire caused the inhury with a punch. Hes also shown lots if durability, Walters beibg the only stoppage of his career. Kovalev on the otherhand has looked poor since Ward I. Stopped three times in his last seven, nearly stopped in another, looks gassed in every fight past six rounds and has a well publisized problem with booze and legal syits outside the ring. Donaire is a better win than Kovalev is if we look at it properly but people had co vinsed themselves otherwise before that Donaire was **** to bits and Kovalev was near back to best Thats not to take away from Caneli, its still a quality victory, just Donaire is a better one.
Kovalev has been winning at the top level, 2019 included. Other than for a stroke of good fortune against Burnett, Donaire hasn’t beaten a top 10 fighter in about 6 years. Kovalev’s methodical lateral movement and jab are still difficult to deal with. Donaire is fairly easy to outbox at this point, even though he has heart and his power is still there. Kovalev is better in a 12 round fight. Donaire would be better in a 40 round fight. Inoue was serving his chin up for Donaire. Canelo likely would’ve had a problem on his hands if he were reckless.
Kov went 2-1, his best and most accomplished YEAR EVER! Beating the guy who KO'd him, barely beating his next opponent, and then getting KTFO once more. Best year ever for Kov!