Nonito Donaire started well but never recovered from the first knockdown, says analyst

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino believes that Nonito Donaire Jr. was off to a good start against Naoya Inoue in the rematch until he got caught and never recovered from a knockdown.

Donaire, 39, was stopped in the second round by the Japanese superstar last Tuesday in Saitama, Japan to unify the WBC, WBA, and IBF world bantamweight titles.

“Donaire started well in this fight. He was jabbing, trying to keep Inoue at a safe distance until he feinted and got caught. I thought he was not fully recovered by the start of round number two,” said Tolentino.

“He was staying in the pocket, his legs were gone, he cannot move, and jab. The effects of the first knockdown were there. It was a case of Inoue emptying his arsenal in round number two.”

As soon as Donaire showed his age and vulnerability, Inoue went all in according to Tolentino.

“His plan to catch Inoue coming in backfired. His moves were not the same, it was indicative that he was still reeling from the first-round knockdown. Inoue knew it, which was why he was willing to throw everything including the kitchen sink,” Tolentino explained.

“39 is a treacherous age in boxing and of course, we have to give credit to Inoue because he delivered in finishing Donaire. Inoue is really good and Donaire's age really caught up with him.”

—JMB, GMA News