Donaire vs. Inoue rematch in the works for April – report

Probellum CEO Richard Schaefer is reportedly in negotiations with Japanese promoter Akihiko Honda for a rematch between WBC world bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. and WBA and IBF world bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue.

“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. This is one of the biggest fights you can make in the sport,” Schaefer told boxingscene.com.

“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.”

Inoue and Donaire shared the ring in 2019 where the Japanese superstar emerged victorious by way of unanimous decision after twelve hard-fought rounds. It was a barnburner from start to finish that it ultimately led to being named as the 2019 fight of the year.

The 39-year-old Donaire has bounced back since that fateful night in 2019 by defeating Nordine Oubaali to capture the WBC crown that he successfully defended against his fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo via knockout last December.

Donaire has repeatedly expressed his desire to fight Inoue again and often stated that he is looking to become the undisputed champion at the 118-pound division. As far as Schaefer is concerned, it is the fight to make in bantamweight.

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

—JMB, GMA News