Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
Universally considered as one of the planet's top P4P boxers, Inoue was in total command from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten challenger with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his dominance with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated the champion post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Even while conceding significant height and reach to his opponent, Inoue quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned the Mexican in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the contest progressed.
The win arranges a potential historic encounter with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the undercard, securing a unanimous decision in his debut at the super-bantamweight limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a definite announcement. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would pit two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their physical primes. This constitutes a unique event in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a candidate to be the biggest fight in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
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Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez