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 Naoya Inoue Vs Nonito Donaire In 'Best Fight Of 2019' Features Some Crazy Highlights

Naoya Inoue Vs Nonito Donaire In 'Best Fight Of 2019' Features Some Crazy Highlights

It was a fierce contest between 26-year-old Inoue and 37-year-old Donaire.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

2019's 'Fight of the Year' between Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire featured some crazy highlights.

26-year-old Inoue came out on top against Donaire via unanimous decision back in November to win the World Boxing Super Series and the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

The contest inside the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan went the distance as the two fighters went toe-to-toe in a riveting contest.

Check out the highlights below.

Inoue (silver trunks) comes out of the blocks firing against Donaire (orange trunks), who proved to be one of the youngster's toughest challenges.

'The Monster' attempted to set the pace using his quick footwork, but 36-year-old Donaire used his experience to avoid major early damage.

Donaire started the second round much stronger and it's where the fight's momentum begun to swing.

The Filipino slugger caught his opponent with a right uppercut followed by a left hook that cut the Japan native.

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Highlights Man/YouTube

The cut left Inoue visibly shaken and it looked possible he could be beaten for the first time in his career.

What followed were two warriors slugging it out for the right to call themselves the undisputed bantamweight champion.

The fight rages on until the 11th round which could have been the best of all.

Inoue managed to land multiple shots to his opponent who proceeds to collapse to the floor in agony.

However, Donaire rises to his feet after a check from the referee and fans inside the Super Arena rose to their feet.

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Highlights Man/YouTube

Inoue gets struck in the nose with one minute remaining and goes straight on the offensive, with his opponent hanging on as the clock ticks to zero.

Donaire is downed by Inoue again in the 12th and final round and the two fighters embrace as the contest comes to an end.

Inoue sealed victory unanimously 116-111 117-109 114-113 on the scorecards, retaining his IBF and The Ring bantamweight titles while winning the WBA (Super) bantamweight title.

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Highlights Man/YouTube

Following the fight, he told reporters per BBC Sport:

"Donaire was a very strong opponent.

"This is the first cut I have had in my career. I had a double vision since the second round but I am victorious and so proud of myself."

It's safe to see why the fight was named fight of the year by a variety of outlets, including ESPN and The Ring magazine.

Featured Image Credit: Highlights Man/YouTube

Topics: Boxing News, Boxing