Inoue-Donaire rematch in the works

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NEGOTIATIONS are now ongoing for a highly-anticipated rematch and unification title clash between world bantamweight champions Naoya “Monster” Inoue of Japan and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr., the boxing.scene website reported late Tuesday.

Probellum chief Richard Schaefer, the longtime handler of Donaire, told boxing.scene writer Manouk Akopyan that he is now in talks with Inoue’s Japanese promoter, Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions, for the title clash between the two popular champs “in Asia this spring (April).”

“This is definitely a fight we would love to do and Nonito would love to have it as well. We don’t have a problem going to Japan. Donaire has the balls to go into the lion’s den again.

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This is one of the fights biggest fights you can make in the sport,” Schaefer said.

Inoue, 28, who sports a spotless record of 22 wins, spiked by 19 knockouts, holds the World Boxing Association super bantamweight and International Boxing Federation bantamweight crowns.

Donaire, the world’s oldest bantamweight king at 39, who has won 42 times (28 KOs) against six defeats, owns the World Boxing Council strap and an outstanding reputation as a crafty slugger.

The last time two diminutive ring titans met on Nov. 11, 2019, Inoue won a close unanimous decision win at the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, an action-packed slugfest that saw the Japanese fighter suffering a fractured orbital bone on his right eye.

“I can’t speak on behalf of Inoue, but I know that’s the fight he wants as well. I’ve always believed that when there is a big fight to be made, you make it — and this is a big fight,” Schaefer said. “I am going to exhaust every resource and will not leave any stone unturned to puff off this fight.

“This is what Nonito and the fight fans want. We as a sport need to deliver it. I believe we’ll get it done.

“Both guys (Donaire and Inoue) have only gotten bigger since that fight, and probably even better, which is interesting to say especially in regard to Nonito,” the veteran promoter said.

Both Donaire and Inoue are coming off impressive victories.

The Filipino champ made a successful initial defense of his belt by knocking out compatriot Reymart Gaballo in the fourth round of their mandatory title encounter last Dec. 11 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, California.

The baby-faced Japanese fighter scored an eight round technical knockout win over Thai challenger Aran Dipaen on Dec. 14 at the Kogugikan Arena in Tokyo.

Should the unification title clash fail to materialize, Schaeffer said Donaire could also consider a bout at 122 pounds, specifically with American WBO and WBC champion Stephen Fulton (20-0, 8 KOs).

“There are different opportunities in and around those weight classes,” Schaeffer said.

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