Report: Naoya Inoue vs. Nonito Donaire Rematch Being Planned For April

The sequel between Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire is set to take place in a couple of months.

The pair first fought in a 12-round classic back in November 2019 in Japan that saw Inoue come out on top to retain his bantamweight titles and add the WBA crown.

Over two years on, the rematch is currently being negotiated for April in Japan according to Donaire’s promoter Richard Schaefer.

It would be a bantamweight title unification bout once again as Inoue would defend his WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles while Donaire puts his WBC crown on the line.

“This is definitely a fight we would love to do and Nonito would love to have it as well,” Schaefer told BoxingScene.com. “We don’t have a problem going to Japan. Donaire has the balls to go into the lion’s den again. This is one of the biggest fights you can make in the sport.

“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. I am going to exhaust every resource and will not leave any stone unturned to pull 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.”

Schaefer: Naoya Inoue, Donaire Both Better Now

The pair’s first fight was a Fight of the Year contender that saw Donaire battle back from a knockdown while Inoue had to deal with a broken eye socket.

With the pandemic, both fighters have only competed a combined total of five times since. However, Schaefer believes they have gotten even better.

That only serves to make the rematch even more intriguing.

“Both guys have only gotten bigger since that fight, and probably even better, which is interesting to say especially in regard to Nonito,” Schaefer added.

Are you excited to see the rematch between Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire?