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CUT ABOVE
NAOYA INOUE had to have his eye stitched up under the light of mobile phone after the bantamweight suffered a gruesome gash in win against Nonito Donaire.
The bantamweight pair clashed in the World Boxing Super Series final in Saitama, Japan, on Thursday.
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Knockout artist and IBF champion Inoue was cut in the second round by Donaire, 36, who came into the bout owning the WBA title.
The Japanese puncher, who has 16 KO’s, was taken the distance in a back and forth Fight of The Year contender.
After securing a unanimous decision, and also the unified and Ring Magazine belts as well as the Muhammad Ali trophy, Inoue, 26, had to receive treatment on his cut eye.
But pictures released shows the 5ft 5in heavy-hitter having stitches with the surgeon using the flash from a phone to work with.
After the thrilling unification bout, Inoue revealed he had trouble seeing straight for 10 rounds.
He said: “I had double vision since the second round, but I was victorious and I am very proud of myself.
“I believe that I have a bright future… Nonito Donaire was very, very strong. I think Donaire is a true champion.”
It was announced after the WBSS final that Inoue signed a promotional deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable.
Veteran promoter Arum worked with boxing great Manny Pacquiao when he moved to the US, and the American believes his newest overseas signing has the making of a superstar.
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He said: “Naoya Inoue is a generational talent, the sort of fighter who comes around once a decade.
“He is already a superstar in Japan, and he will be major star stateside in no time.
“You are looking at an all-time great who is entering the prime of what will be a historic career.”
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