Several hours ago in Japan, Nonito Donaire fought one of the great fights of his excellent career, dropping a hard-fought decision to Naoya Inoue in the World Boxing Super Series final.
It’s a fight that will rank high on Fight of the Year lists soon, and for good reason. Inoue (19-0, 16 KO) and Donaire (40-6, 26 KO) left it all in the ring over 12 grueling rounds, featuring Donaire improbably getting up and fighting on after a brutal body shot knocked him down in the 11th round.
Donaire, 36, spoke on Twitter about the fight, thanking his team and everyone in Japan for the hospitality, and also spoke of asking Inoue to borrow the Muhammad Ali Trophy for the night to fulfill a promise to his sons:
Lastly, to my family, my heart. I am a warrior on my shield. I came to Japan to take the Muhammad Ali trophy. I promised my sons they would see it in the morning. And with tears in my eyes, I humbly asked Inoue to borrow it for a night, not for me but for my word.
— Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) November 8, 2019