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Donaire targets possible Inoue rematch in April

Sports | Boxing

Donaire targets possible Inoue rematch in April

By Carlo Anolin

There is no certainty yet but WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire is looking forward for a possible rematch against Japanese rival Naoya Inoue on spring season.

Nonito Donaire (right) connects a right straight to Naoya Inoue in this file photo (Photo from World Boxing Super Series)

"It's almost there. I'm excited for it," said Donaire in an interview wiht Fight Hub TV.

Donaire, however, clarified that he has yet to discuss with promoter Richard Schaefer of Probellum.

That said, the "Filipino Flash" has been active in training should a go signal is given anytime soon.

"That thing is that it's Richard's call. I had a lot of options. All I know is I'm waiting for it, I'm training for it," added the 39-year-old Filipino champion.

"I'm always training for whatever happens. Well, we're looking at around April, May, or June. So I'm already training for all those dates."

Donaire last saw action in December last year with a fourth-round knockout against compatriot Reymart Gaballo for his first WBC bantamweight title defense.

He captured the WBC belt after dethroning Frenchman Nordine Oubaali in May 2021, interestingly, also with a fourth-round finisher.

Prior to his back-to-back victories in 2021, Donaire, then 36 years old, suffered a unanimous decision defeat against Inoue in November 2019 -- a championship bout that earned Fight of the Year honor.

The "Japanese Monster," in the process, unified the super WBA, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles after beating Donaire.

Related Tags

Nonito Donaire WBC World Boxing Council Naoya Inoue

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