Top Rank Boxing: Ariake Arena; Tokyo, Japan
In essence it didn’t take long. But in actuality it took till 1:14 of the eigth round before referee HECTOR AFU needed to step in and stop a history making performance by Naoya Inoue. The monster just keeps terrorizing everyone he faces in the ring, regardless of weight-class. He just keeps breaking eeveryone down. And now the 30-year old Japanese sensation is a four-division champion, snagging the WBC and WBO straps from Stephen Fulton.
Early on the speed, precision, and power had “Cool Boy Steph” on his back foot. Inoue’s mixing up attack didn’t land at 100%, but even when shots were partially blocked they were being felt. And those skills coming at the Philadelphia fighter just couldn’t be repeated in camp.
In life as in sport, you can’t half-ass it. And that’s where Fulton found himself most of the fight. In mid-range, and you may not want to call it awestruck; but he was watching Inoue instead of going on the attack. And when Fulton did look like he was about to start something special, Inoue’s countering was too much to handle.
Does The Monster Keep Terrorizing 122 And More
Immediately post-fight joining the new champion in the ring was IBF and WBA champion Marlon Tapales. While Tapales said he wanted to fight Inoue because he’s a great champion, Inoue was more blunt about it.
“Let’s do this, this year.”
Inoue has been cracked, but something most don’t take into account is his samurai spirit of never surrender. It’s a mind set not found so much in this country. Not only is he a rattlesnake in the ring, but he’s a hawk outside of it.
The team watches hours and still frames of footage to break down their opponents. Add in his technique and volume of attack, and you have an unbeatable all-time great. Can he take out the Filipino? Absolutely, and he’ll be a massive favorite to do so come November. Inoue will have a substantial reach advantage too. The only question if there is one is, will Tapales being a southpaw slow him down initially.
And if it does, will Tapales who’s 40-fights into his career land a stinging right hook to flip the apple cart. Inoue’s continued push to be great is far from over, and may very well move up one or two more times.
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