Both World Boxing Association ‘’super’’ and International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’The Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym and World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire of the Philippines cleared the weigh-ins on June 6 for their title unification fight at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama Prefecture on June 7.

The 29-year-old Inoue tipped the scales at the class limit of 53.5 kg (118 lbs) while the 39-year-old Donaire weighed in at 53.4 kg (117. 7 lbs) at a hotel in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, setting the stage for their ‘‘Drama in Saitama 2.’’ They fought in November 2019 in the final of the World Boxing Super Series at the same arena, in which Inoue won with a unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle.
In the day’s meeting for rules, it was decided that Inoue will use Reyes-made gloves for the first time in his career while Donaire will wear Everlast-made gloves.

Judges’ scores will be announced after the fourth and eighth rounds in accordance with the WBC rules. Also, the practice of instant replay will be adopted at the request of the WBC in such cases as butting, for example.

Hideyuki Ohashi, head of the Ohashi gym, said, ‘’Naoya seems to have liked the touch of Reyes gloves (of Mexico). I think any gloves appear to be the same now.’’

Inoue has a record of 22 straight wins, including 19 knockouts, while Donaire has a 42-6 win-loss tally with 28 KOs.