MANILA, Philippines — There was no drama in Saitama.
© STAR/FileInoue too strong for Donaire
Japan’s Naoya Inoue, a fighter in his prime, needed less than two rounds and a few solid blows to stop Filipino Nonito Donaire Jr. in brutal fashion at Saitama’s Super Arena last night.
Inoue, who at 29 is 10 years younger, sent Donaire down with a short right in the closing seconds of the opening round, and then again for good in the 1:24 mark of the second.
Inoue hit Donaire with powerful, accurate shots near the corner, a right and then a left to the head, to put the Filipino down for the last time. Referee Michael Griffin quickly signaled the end of the fight.
Donaire, a four-division champion and future Hall of Famer trying to stretch...