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Nonito Donaire gives final KO prediction for Nayoa Inoue vs Junto Nakatani

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Nonito Donaire makes final KO prediction for Nayoa Inoue vs Junto Nakatani

Nonito Donaire predicted Nayoa Inoue’s next undisputed title defense against Junto Nakatani.

The fight pits two stars against each other on a pound-for-pound basis. Inoue is well-established as one of the best, if not the best, fighters in the world, but Nakatani – who will be making only his second appearance at super bantamweight – is an up-and-coming man looking to escape his compatriot’s significant shadow.

Inoue and Donaire first met in the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight final in November 2019, with the Japanese superstar winning a unanimous decision to add Donaire’s WBA belt to his IBF title. The fight became an instant classic, with Inoue later revealing that he suffered a fractured orbital bone and a broken nose.

The rematch took place in June 2022, again in Saitama, and Donaire won the WBC belt this time. “The Monster” made a statement by knocking out the Filipino delayed in the first round before stopping him in the second to further strengthen his case for the pound.

Assessing the fight, Nakatani in an interview for WBCDonaire praised both players, but ultimately settled on his venerable adversary, who set an undefeated record after the break.

“A lot of people will favor Inoue because he has experience and weight. Nakatani is getting close to the weight, but I have to be able to deal with the towering southpaw and not be afraid of Inoue. Whoever establishes his style first will win the fight.”

“I would bet on Inoue. I think it has to be a knockout because they will both be ready for it. Nakatani has to push the fight to keep that distance. There is a huge height difference, Nakatani gets hit because he fights in the middle distance, with a little step back, taking advantage of that distance. We know that Inoue is devastating when it comes down to throwing punches and being able to throw them.”

The fight will take place next weekend at the Tokyo Dome – a historic event for Japanese boxing.

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Figueroa is looking at Inoue-Nakatani, not Espinoza

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Image: Brandon Figueroa Eyes Inoue-Nakatani, Not Espinoza

Figueroa currently holds the WBA featherweight title, and one of the available fights in his division is against Rafael Espinoza, the WBO 126-pound champion. This fight has been discussed, but at this stage it is not treated as a leading option.

Rodriguez said that while the fight against Espinoza, known as “Divino,” remains undecided, it is not a priority for Figueroa’s team. All indications are that attention will shift elsewhere, depending on how events unfold in Japan this weekend.

Inoue vs. Nakatani has ramifications for multiple weight classes, especially if either fighter wants to move up or change position after the result. Figueroa’s interest suggests he could weigh a future opponent depending on that outcome, rather than finalizing a featherweight unification.

As a result, Espinoza may have to look for alternative opponents for his next title defense if Figueroa goes in a different direction.

While the natural unification target at 126 is Rafael Espinoza, Brandon Figueroa’s team is clearly hoping for a bigger match. Focusing on Saturday’s super fight Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome suggests Figueroa is positioning himself as the welcome vehicle for Inoue’s eventual jump to featherweight.

Inoue clears out the 122-pound division (most recently defeating Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia). If he beats Nakatani, moving up to 126 pounds would be the only logical progression. Figueroa, with his continued strength and WBA belt, is probably the most fan-friendly style of Inoue’s featherweight debut.

No official information has been announced about Figueroa’s next fight or schedule. The focus remains Saturday’s result in Japan and how it could reshape the 126-pound option.

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Thomas Hearns ranks one world champion above all the legendary Four Kings

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Thomas Hearns ranks one world champion above all of the legendary Four Kings

While Thomas Hearns’ most memorable battles may have been against other members of the Four Kings, he claims his greatest rival ever was someone else entirely.

Hearns is one of the most popular fighters of all time, and his knockout power and action-packed style make him a favorite of many boxing fans.

He became the first boxer in history to win world titles in five divisions, from welterweight to lightweight heavyweight, and in these divisions he participated in epic fights with Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns.

The quartet of boxing icons were known collectively as the Four Kings, and Hearns claimed a knockout victory over Duran, but suffered losses due to stoppages to Hagler and Leonardalong with a controversial draw with Leonard in the rematch.

Despite these legendary fights, “Hitman” believes that another rival in his career is superior to each of the above-mentioned names, after revealing himself in a feature film with Ring that he considers Wilfred Benitez the best player he has ever faced.

“Wilfred Benitez was very good… skillful and very cunning… He moved well and fought all over the ring.”

Hearns fought Benitez in December 1982, winning by majority decision after a 15-round fight for the WBC welterweight title.

Benitez was a world champion in three weight classes and the youngest world champion in the history of the sport, winning the WBA welterweight title at the age of just 17.

In addition to Hearns, Benitez also faced two other members of the Four Kings during his career, defeating Duran but falling tiny against Leonard.

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Dillian Whyte calls for a trilogy fight with Derek Chisora

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Image: Queensberry Boxing Faces Tough Choice: Does Young Moses Itauma Risk Career Derailment Against Usyk?

Whyte says he would take the fight immediately if Chisora ​​is grave.

“If Derek is grave, he knows where I am. I will fight Derek Chisora ​​tomorrow,” Whyte told Sky Sports Boxing. “He doesn’t like me, I don’t like him. He doesn’t want to lose to me, I don’t want to lose to him.”

The rivalry dates back to 2016 and 2018, when Whyte won a split decision in the first fight and then stopped Chisora ​​in the 11th round of the rematch. Both fights were tough and Whyte is once again leaning on that history to try and rebuild it.

“I already slept with him once. I gave him one of the best dreams he’s ever had in his entire life,” Whyte said. “It’s always going to be a great fight because we’re going to stand and trade.”

Chisora ​​has been linked with retirement following his recent defeat to Deontay Wilder, but Whyte believes a chance for revenge could bring him back.

Whyte has said his aim is to make a quick turnaround and wants a trilogy this summer.

“I would like this fight to take place in the next few months. I will be ready in May or June. If he wants it, I will be ready,” Dillian said.

In addition to Chisora, Whyte named former champions Andy Ruiz Jr. and Wilder as the opponents he will take on, as well as lesser-known names linked to the rankings. Still, the Chisora ​​fight is one he keeps coming back to.

At this point, it feels less like unfinished business and more like one last credible sale for both of them.

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