Inoue left bloodied after being rocked by Donaire as he claims he was seeing ‘double vision’ during epic title win
NAOYA INOUE is the World Boxing Super Series champion at bantamweight after beating Nonito Donaire on points - despite seeing "double vision" for ten rounds.
The unbeaten Japanese star - who was left bloodied and bruised by his 36-year-old opponent - extended his perfect record to 19-0 after winning on judges scores of 116-111, 117-109 and 114-113.
Inoue, 26, has now added the WBA 'Super' belt and the Muhammad Ali Trophy to his IBF and Ring Magazine straps.
Fans were treated to a classic at Tokyo's Super Arena as both fighters traded hell for leather for 12 rounds, with each man having their chin seriously tested.
Donaire was dropped in the 11th round but somehow survived the onslaught from the Monster, who slayed the legend that is the Filipino Flash.
It would be the perfect fight for Donaire to hang up his gloves after a 46-fight career that has seen him win an astonishing eight world titles in four weight classes.
And he rocked the home fighter several occasions throughout the fight in what is easily the hardest test of Inoue's impeccable career so far.
Inoue was cut in the second round just above his right eye as Donaire took control of the ring and looked to bully the three-weight world champ.
And he never stopped coming forward, despite Inoue almost knocking him out the fifth round as the bell saved Donaire who was forced back to the ropes.
Just when it looked as though Inoue was on top, Donaire came back in blistering fashion in the middle rounds to get himself close on the score cards.
A huge straight right in the ninth round stunned Inoue, with his fans shocked that they could be about to witness their national hero suffer the first defeat of his professional career.
Donaire was catching the pound-for-pound star at will, but once again the fight turned in favour of Inoue in the tenth round as he backed up his man against the ropes.
And he finally managed top drop Donaire in the 11th with a huge left hook to the body, but the former WBA champ somehow got back to his feet.
Inoue pressed for the knockout, but was caught by a wild left hand before the bell in what will go down as arguably the best round of the year.
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The final round was a cagey last three minutes as both men were clearly exhausted from their epic battle, with the duo embracing at the end of the fight.
Speaking after his victory, Inoue said: "I had double vision since the second round. I'm so happy and proud of myself.
"I think Donaire was a true champion, he was very strong."