On Tuesday, September third, on the Ariake Area in Koto Metropolis, Tokyo, Japan, the undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) efficiently defended his crown as he stopped TJ Doheny (26-5, 20 KOs) within the seventh spherical.
Inoue displayed endurance as he caught to his recreation plan and systematically broke down the challenger. TJ Doheny was a gamed opponent, however sadly, the buildup of harm all through the struggle was an excessive amount of for him to beat.
The struggle’s opening spherical was the everyday feeling-out course of, as Inoue landed the jab and a few stable rights to the physique. For many of the bout, Inoue fought off the entrance foot and unleashed a balanced assault to the pinnacle and physique of his opponent.
Because the match continued, Inoue’s bodywork steadily took its toll on Doheny. In the beginning of the seventh, Inoue landed a tough left to the physique, forcing Doheny to limp away and take a knee. After witnessing Doheny’s response, the referee instantly stopped the competition.
As soon as the match ended, a revelation was made about Inoue stepping again contained in the ring in December to defend his undisputed crown. As soon as once more, the match will happen in Japan, and it’ll almost certainly be in opposition to WBO/IBF prime contender Sam Goodman or the WBA primary contender Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
After the December bout, Prime Rank boss Bob Arum plans to have Inoue return to the States to defend his crown in Las Vegas. If Inoue is profitable, will a struggle between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani happen later in 2025?
The undefeated Japanese boxer Junto Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs) is a three-division champion and the reigning WBC world bantamweight titleholder. Nakatani made a short look contained in the squared circle in July 2024 when he confronted Vincent Astrolabio.
With 38 seconds remaining within the 1st spherical, the southpaw Nakatani landed a tough left to the physique, sending Astrolabio right down to the canvas. Together with his physique throbbing in ache, Vincent Astrolabio tried to rise up, however sadly for him, he was counted out.
Battle followers at all times seek for the following super-fight, and a Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani conflict matches the class. This potential bout would characteristic two extremely expert energy punchers.
Presently, Inoue competes at 122 kilos, whereas Nakatani is campaigning as a 118-pounder. The 2-time undisputed champion of 4 divisions, Naoya Inoue, appears ready to remain at super-bantamweight for a big period of time.
Hopefully, Junto Nakatani will transfer up from 118 to 122 in 2025. If that occurs, it can heighten the anticipation for one of many largest fights within the Japanese market.
The potential Inoue vs. Nakatani conflict will likely be enormous in Japan, however it’s additionally a giant struggle globally. In a latest interview, boxing coach Robert Garcia said he would fly to Japan to see the mega struggle.
Boxing followers and pundits are monitoring this example, and so they can see that this conflict is on the horizon. Presently, Naoya Inoue is the most important boxing star in Japan.
Junto Nakatani hasn’t but reached Inoue’s degree of stardom, however he’s steadily closing the hole. Persevering with to win impressively will assist Nakatani lower the deficit. Nonetheless, Nakatani’s quickest path to his final purpose is to problem Inoue in 2025 and try to knock the king off his throne.
