Donaire Wants Trilogy with Inoue, Eyes Nakatani Fight

Former world champion Nonito Donaire has revealed that he still intends to return to the ring and has ambitious plans, including a third fight against Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue.

"We’ve been trying to make fights with guys like Chocolatito, Estrada, and all those fighters for about a year and a half. You know, there were talks here and there.

But when it came to closing the deal, they decided to walk away and not fight me. That’s really frustrating. Now, I’m just trying to get back in the ring — that’s my main goal."

Donaire, 42 years old, laid out the path he hopes to take:

"I want one more dance with the ‘Monster’ Naoya Inoue. But I need to get back to that level first, you know?

I want to fight Junto Nakatani, and maybe then I can get a shot to become undisputed and win all the belts — and I know I can do it. Then I’ll move up and face the Monster again. That’s the game plan."

Nonito Donaire has not fought since 2023, when he lost by decision to Alejandro Santiago. He has faced Inoue twice before — losing once by decision and once by technical knockout.