JAPANESE superstar Naoya Inoue won the Muhammad Ali Trophy and the right to be called the best bantamweight in the world after a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Nonito Donaire Jr. in the bantamweight finals of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

All three judges had Inoue winning with scores of 116-111, 117-109, 114-113.

Donaire Jr. had a strong start landing some heavy blows in the early round and even opening a cut above Inoue's right eye from a left hook in the second round.

Inoue showcased his skills and his power by controlling the middle rounds. He dropped Donaire Jr. with a vicious left hook to the ribs in the 11th round.

Donaire Jr. survived and fought up until the final bell.

Inoue successfully defended his International Boxing Federation bantamweight crown and won the World Boxing Association bantamweight strap from Donaire Jr.

He improved to 19-0 with 16 knockouts, while Donaire Jr. dropped to 40-6 with 26 knockouts. (EKA)