By: Sean Crose
There’s no getting round the truth that Naoya Inoue is a few form of fighter. When he lands one in every of his potent physique photographs, you not solely see it, you not solely hear it, you virtually really feel it. Happily, the operative phrase right here is “virtually.” Simply witnessing Inoue in motion is a research in excellence. He will not be awkward or authentic, however then once more he doesn’t need to be. Inoue posts an undefeated 26-0 report, in spite of everything. What’s extra, as of Tuesday, Inoue is now two time undisputed world champion. For, on the day after Christmas, Inoue thrilled these in attendance at Ariake Area in his native Japan by knocking out the 37-3 Marlon Tapales within the tenth spherical.
Thus, Inoue added the IBF and WBA junior featherweight title belts to his WBC and WBO junior featherweight titles belts, turning into the undisputed junior featherweight king within the course of. This after turning into undisputed bantamweight champion of the world again in 2022. That’s two undisputed world championships in simply over a yr (and by “simply over a yr,” we’re speaking a matter of days). At this level, it’s troublesome to provide you with a reputation which may give Inoue actual hassle proper now, offered the fighter often called “The Monster” doesn’t as soon as once more jumps up in weight.
With all that in thoughts, credit score must be given to Tapales, Inoue’s opponent on Tuesday. Certain, he walked into the ring in possession of two world titles, however Tapales was by no means actually given an opportunity of profitable. And whereas it’s true Naoya was in management all through the overwhelming majority of the bout, Tapales was by no means out of the battle, not till that straight proper ship the gutsy Filipino to the mat within the tenth. He landed nicely at occasions, and was even keen to commerce with the ferocious Inoue. Lengthy story quick – Tapeles was most distinctly NOT in Japan to select up a pay examine on Tuesday. He was there to shock the world. That he was unable to isn’t any supply of disgrace.
As soon as extra, Inoue is one thing completely different. He’s a uncooked mixture of expertise, energy, onerous work, and a capability to battle as if there’s ice in his veins. This was evidenced within the fourth spherical on Tuesday when Tapales was having some spectacular moments. Relatively than rising flustered, Inoue turned up the warmth and despatched Tapales to the canvas. Tapales beat the rely and continued preventing gamely, however he merely didn’t have the energy or ability to maintain up with Inoue, who had been touchdown onerous because the opening bell. True warrior that he was, Tapales tried beating the rely once more within the tenth tried after he was despatched to the mat for the second time. He merely couldn’t do it.
*Picture: Prime Rank
