Particulars: On Tuesday, Dec. twenty sixth, 2023, (Boxing Day UK) from the Ariake Area in Tokyo, it’s one of the best day-late ever, X-mas present. Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue vs. Marlon ‘Nightmare’ Tapales (ESPN +) Unification bout (Tremendous Featherweights). NOTE! This battle begins at 4 a.m. PDT. Seek the advice of your listing to search out out the beginning time in your time zone. Brew some espresso and be prepared. Or catch a replay, the subsequent morning.
Background: Cool Boy Steph Fulton was picked by some prime specialists to sit back the Inoue ‘Hype,’ practice because it was slanderously labeled. Particularly by Cool Boy Steph. Steph was undefeated and is an amazing fighter. He had temporary moments, however from the primary bell, Fulton couldn’t cope with Inoue’s velocity. Inoue may greater than cope with his, in addition to Fulton’s nice Philly boxing expertise. Fulton didn’t quit however needed to be cautious as he waited for infrequent openings. It was educational when Inoue instantly flattened Cool Boy with that energy, twice in Spherical 8, the second time being on the finish of the battle. Fulton amusingly (hey, I’m a ghoul) complained, at the same time as he staggered for a number of moments earlier than being hauled off by handlers. Touchingly, the Japanese crowd showered the valiant loser with cheers. Unforgettable.
Within the ring, Naoya Inoue is a real-life monster. Outdoors it, procuring in his preppy garments and glasses, the pleasant monster actually seems to be like a 20-year-old scholar or financial institution supervisor, about as harmful as Cheerios. Again within the ring, watching him hit mitts or opponents, you possibly can solely swallow – the man is a terror. Evolution selected this harmless-looking, small man, to hold the ability of falling boulders in his fists.
Whilst Inoue’s legend grew, some good pundits, like Tim Bradley, have been initially skeptical of the Inoue Story. Bradley was shortly satisfied.
I used to be a believer, asap. Even so, I felt Inoue would by no means be the identical after displaying mercy to Nonito Donaire of their first battle. Monster had simply staggered the dude previously from San Leandro, and Donaire was helpless. All Inoue needed to do was faucet Donaire, and battle over, however he held up.
It could have been nice sportsmanship, however it was rattling silly. Donaire recovered and went on to interrupt Inoue’s nostril and, worse, fracture his orbital bone. Whereas Inoue gained the battle, I assumed he’d by no means be the identical. As a substitute, he proved whereas his combating expertise appears virtually limitless, his fortitude – which I imagine every particular person, not evolution, determines, is way greater. That mentioned, I nonetheless assume his accidents will shorten his profession – and I don’t care who disagrees.
Fighter’s Grades: (Pace, Energy, Protection, Attain, Age, Stamina, Expertise)
Nayoya Inoue: A A B+ B B- A B+ (B+ 3.5)
Marlon Tapales: B+B B+ B-B B+B (B 3.1)
Actuality Verify: All these lower-weight dudes appear to have quirky kinds and Tapales, a very gifted fighter, isn’t any exception. The southpaw throws roundhouse 1-2s, however although they’re telegraphed, due to bizarre angles and timing, they nonetheless land. Additionally, dude has tremendously fast first-punch energy from each fingers. On movie, he’s kayoed dudes with lead-off lefts to the physique, in addition to rights to the pinnacle. Inoue should be extraordinarily cautious. Additionally, Tapales has glorious stability and text-book switching from the again foot to the entrance. He can even punch powerfully off the again foot.
That mentioned, I’ve to favor the Monster. I seen Ring Journal’s specialists picked Inoue 19-0 by kayo. Keep in mind, although what Larry Service provider as soon as mentioned – “There ain’t a horse that may’t be rode, ain’t a rider ain’t been throwed.” That is boxing. This isn’t baseball, soccer, hockey, MMA, or some other sport. That is boxing, proper followers? I’d put Tapales 50-50 towards Fulton and provides him a shot vs. Inoue.
UK broadcasters alone appear to say that Inoue’s ‘engine,’ his fixed exercise, may, at age 30, go at any time. He’d nonetheless be nice, however that Michael Jordan-like vitality is the important thing. He can also’t get banged within the eyes, an excessive amount of, ever once more. Covid and the orbital fracture meant that what Inoue ought to have been proving at 28, he’s now proving at 30.
Inoue’s attain is considerably higher than Tapales’ and if he can keep away from being caught by Tapale’s extremely fast lead punch from both hand, I believe he’s merely the best- or second-best fighter on earth, at any weight. Add to that, Inoue’s an amazing defensive fighter too, as Fulton came upon. Slightly an excessive amount of for Marlon.
I see Inoue exerting his distinctive energy and velocity benefits to win by TKO 8-9. However Tapales from Tubod, Philippines can’t be slept on.
If I’m proper and Inoue prevails, let this be a warning: Benefit from the holidays, drive safely, and don’t decide books by covers. Particularly if the duvet image seems to be like a innocent financial institution teller.
