Why did Inoue Struggle with Donaire?

[famicommander]

Donaire was the bigger, more experienced fighter out there.

He didn't win a world title in 4 weight classes (5 if you count the WBA interim belt) by accident.

[LZBoxing]

Hardly his first step up in competition. Only a casual buffoon would make a statement like that.

Donaire is a future Hall of Famer with tons of experience, his record at 118 is incredible and he's fought as high as featherweight.

Donaire turned back the clock.

[alexnation]

Donaire was bigger and more experienced. Also, styles makes fights. Donaire was there to push and exchange punches, he had no fear to walk Inoue down. Definitely the biggest test for Inoue so far and it clearly demonstrated that he has a heart, a chin and footwork. So excited to see more of him in the future!

[AJ's Boy]

Because he stepped up in competition

[IronDanHamza]

Why did Evander Holyfield struggle with a journeyman like Bert Cooper and old guy like George Foreman and Larry Holmes?
Why did Erik Morales struggle with and old Daniel Zaragoza?
Why did Oscar de la Hoya struggle with a coked out Pernell Whitaker?

That's what happens when the young up and comer faces former champs and future HOF fighters. This was an example of a passing of the torch fight.

Morales struggled with Zaragoza?

[TheGR8TESTOAT]

Donaire looked to be a slightly bigger guy which had to have helped.

yeah he looked about 3 weight classes bigger lol but doesn't the IBF 2nd weighin hurt ND tho? Did he just bulk up after the 2nd weigh in??

[Citizen Koba]

Ha - now I'm not saying for a second this had anything to do with it, I actually thought Naoya fought a great fight, but I'm just recalling how many people said that Jermall performed badly against Korobov because he'd just seen Jermell take the L.

Actually I think what happened here was that Nonito fought a great fight and was able to keep his composure due to his vast experience where most of Naoyas opponents have just been taken aback by his speed and accuracy.

Fkn fantastic fight though.

[monkeyboy]

Because styles make fights and Donaire is an amazing, experienced champion with a granite chin and a structured, very smart style and plan. Also bigger.
Inoue is moving up and was tested. What more can you ask for?

Brilliant fight! Really love Donaire. What a fighter.


If you can say that

[Madison Boxing]

ive been telling people for years that his kid is overhyped. people ranking him p4p top 3 when hes not fought anyone. he just went life and death with donaire who was 5 years past his best, not great when you consider how easy walters and rigondeaux beat a fresher version.

[Citizen Koba]

yeah he looked about 3 weight classes bigger lol but doesn't the IBF 2nd weighin hurt ND tho? Did he just bulk up after the 2nd weigh in??

Didn't think the IBF did 2nd weigh ins on unifications any more, man.

https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/20419842/international-boxing-federation-drops-same-day-weight-checks-unified-title-fights

Did someone say they had done one for this fight? I musta missed it if they did.