Inoue Favored To Beat Donaire Again
They will do it again: Naoya Inoue puts his WBA, IBF, and The Ring world bantamweight titles on the line against Nonito Donaire’s WBC belt on Tuesday in Japan. The boxing odds favor Inoue, who already beat Donaire nearly three years ago in what was an action-packed bout. In this rematch, expect both boxers to have made adjustments, though the younger Inoue could just retire the living legend.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and boxing betting odds for Inoue vs Donaire. We’ve plenty of boxing predictions for you to consider.
Inoue This Close to Undisputed Status
If the online sports betting lines prove accurate, Inoue should collect Donaire’s WBC title and have his eyes set on Paul Butler’s WBO title to become the undisputed champion. But first, the unbeaten Japanese “monster” has to end his rivalry with Donaire. He has nothing but respect for the four-weight world champion.
“In terms of ranking him with any fighter I’ve previously faced, Nonito is more special than anyone else,” Inoue told the BoxingScene. “I still have plenty I want to do in my career and consider this fight as a checkpoint like any other fight.”
Inoue defeated Donaire by unanimous decision in their first bout despite getting his orbital bone shattered. He hurt Donaire with a body shot late in the fight, but the Filipino-American refused to go down. The 29-year-old keeps improving and should be able to beat Donaire more soundly. But finishing him could be the highlight of his career.
Donaire Still a Threat Approaching 40
There are not too many boxers who can claim to have been competitive at the age of 40. In Donaire’s case, he is turning 40 in November. He’s been largely written off in the last few years, but has only lost to the likes of Inoue and Jessie Magdaleno in the bantamweight division since losing to Guillermo Rigondeaux in 2013.
Donaire may be in the twilight of his career, but his durability and veteran savvy have allowed him to outclass most of the opponents. Of course, Inoue is a significant step up from the Reymart Gaballos and Nordine Oubaalis of the world.
“The Filipino Flash” is bigger than Inoue but that may have worked against him in their previous bout. Having a longer torso allows Inoue to target his body more effectively, and even though Donaire broke Inoue’s orbital bone, he could not put him away. Still, we won’t underestimate the future Hall of Famer when betting online.
Inoue vs Donaire 2 Head-to-Head
Inoue will be giving up a half-inch reach and two inches in height. But Inoue’s diminutive stature is to his advantage as it allows him to move faster and get into close range better. Donaire is also more than a decade older than Inoue.
Inoue vs Donaire 2 Fight Information
- Fight: Inoue (c) (22-0-0, 19 KOs) vs Donaire (42-6-0, 28 KOs)
- Location: Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan
- Day/Time: Tuesday, 6 a.m. ET
- Live stream: Box Live
Inoue vs Donaire 2 Betting Lines
Inoue vs Donaire 2 Prediction
At the current lines, there is some value in Inoue. However, putting him in a parlay could be the better choice. Inoue is incredibly powerful and durable and has that as an advantage here. While Donaire is also difficult to put away, a few well-placed shots to his body could put him down for good. He’s been hurt here before and Inoue is one of the best body punchers.
The best bet here is to take the over 7½ rounds, albeit at a juiced price. We see Inoue finishing Donaire this time, but it will be toward the championship rounds.
Pick: Over 7½ (-130)
