WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire is eager to avenge a 2019 defeat at the hands of WBA, IBF champion Naoya Inoue.
In a grueling fight that saw both fighters hurt, Inoue won a twelve round decision over Donaire in 2019.
Next Tuesday in Japan, they collide for a second time with three world titles at stake.
Donaire, 39-years-old Donaire, has been looking for this rematch for a long time.
Inoue, with 19 knockouts in 22 fights, is one of the most dangerous boxers in the sport.
Donaire believes that he made some mistakes in the first encounter – and this time around he will upset the odds.
“After the last fight, there was a fire burning inside of me……. the motivation, the feeling that I wasn’t at my best, and I know I can beat him at my best. That was what was inside me going into the locker after the fight. I wouldn’t want this rematch if I didn’t think I could win this fight,” Donaire said.
“I’m very, very motivated. This is the fight that I’ve been aiming for, to accomplish everything that I have not accomplished in boxing. I’ve accomplished everything in boxing except become the undisputed, and this is the road to the undisputed.”
Inoue, who is 10 years younger, is also very excited to face a boxer who he views as an inspirational idol.
“It’s been two years and seven months since we had the first fight, and now we have the rematch in a few days’ time. I’m very motivated and excited. I think everyone is excited,” Inoue said.
The winner of the rematch will be gunning for a crack at newly crowned WBO champion Paul Butler. Both Donaire and Butler are promoter by Probellum, making it the easier fight to take.