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Nonito Donaire: You win, you lose, you do both graciously

“The Filipino Flash” continues to show he’s one of boxing’s most admirable stars.

Naoya Inoue v Nonito Donaire - WBSS Bantamweight Final Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images

Several hours ago in Japan, Nonito Donaire fought one of the great fights of his excellent career, dropping a hard-fought decision to Naoya Inoue in the World Boxing Super Series final.

It’s a fight that will rank high on Fight of the Year lists soon, and for good reason. Inoue (19-0, 16 KO) and Donaire (40-6, 26 KO) left it all in the ring over 12 grueling rounds, featuring Donaire improbably getting up and fighting on after a brutal body shot knocked him down in the 11th round.

Donaire, 36, spoke on Twitter about the fight, thanking his team and everyone in Japan for the hospitality, and also spoke of asking Inoue to borrow the Muhammad Ali Trophy for the night to fulfill a promise to his sons:

Donaire has a reputation as one of boxing’s true gentlemen and genuinely admirable fighters, and this is an example of why. He has been a class act throughout his career, and it sounds like he’s determined to get back in the gym and fight another day.

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