Naoya Inoue Becomes Four-Division World Champion
Japanese Star Dominates Stephen Fulton to Unify Junior Featherweight Titles
By
In a historic triumph, Naoya Inoue, the Japanese boxing sensation known as “The Monster,” cemented his status as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter by defeating Stephen Fulton to capture the WBC and WBO junior featherweight titles. With this victory, Inoue becomes a four-division world champion, joining the ranks of boxing greats who have achieved this remarkable feat.
From the opening bell at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, Inoue showcased his exceptional power, speed, and footwork, outclassing Fulton over seven one-sided rounds. In the eighth round, Inoue delivered a devastating blow that sent Fulton to the canvas and ultimately led to a stoppage by the referee. The dominance displayed by Inoue throughout the fight solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport.
Inoue’s victory comes less than a year after he unified all four world titles at bantamweight, further confirming his pound-for-pound credentials. With an undefeated professional record of 25-0, including 22 knockouts, Inoue’s destructive upward surge through boxing‘s weight divisions rivals that of Manny Pacquiao in his prime.
Technical Brilliance and Dominance
Throughout the fight, Inoue’s stabbing jab, blinding hand speed, and nimble movement troubled Fulton, nullifying the American’s physical advantages and leaving him unable to mount an effective offense. Inoue’s ring intelligence and exceptional skills allowed him to counter Fulton’s attacks and deliver punishing blows. Despite brief moments of success for Fulton, Inoue immediately responded with his own offensive onslaught.
Compubox’s punch statistics highlight the one-way traffic of the fight. Inoue landed an impressive 114 of 379 punches, including 39% of his power shots, compared to Fulton’s 47 of 223 punches. Inoue’s dominance was evident even in the jab department, connecting with nearly twice as many jabs as Fulton, despite conceding height and reach advantages.
Implications for Inoue’s Legacy
Naoya Inoue’s extraordinary accomplishments in the boxing ring have firmly established his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His ability to conquer multiple weight divisions and unify titles is a testament to his skill, determination, and sheer talent.
With this victory, Inoue joins an elite group of boxers who have achieved four-division world championship status. His relentless pursuit of greatness and his willingness to face top opponents have set him apart as a true champion. Inoue’s dominance and technical brilliance make him a true role model for aspiring boxers around the world.
The Road Ahead
While Inoue’s recent triumph solidifies his position as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, the road ahead promises even more exciting challenges for the Japanese star. Marlon Tapales, the Filipino southpaw who holds the other two major belts at 122lbs, expressed his desire to unify the super bantamweight championship with Inoue. Both fighters have expressed confidence that this showdown will take place before the end of 2023.
As Inoue continues to strive for greatness, fans around the world eagerly await his next moves. His undeniable talent and relentless pursuit of victory ensure that every fight he participates in will be a must-watch event.
<< photo by Pixabay >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
You might want to read !
- “Katie Ledecky Dominates in the Pool: Secures 20th World Title with Impressive 1500m Freestyle Win”
- “Dominance Unparalleled: Ledecky’s Quest for World Aquatics Supremacy”
- Sun shines on Samurai Blue: Japan thumps Costa Rica 2-0 in thrilling clash
- “The Phenomenal Rise of Naoya Inoue: Boxing’s Unstoppable Force”
- Ultimate Punchdown: Get Ready to Lock in Your Seats for UFC 293!
- Battle Down Under: Inoue vs Fulton – Live Ringside Coverage and Fight Results
- “Battle of the Bantamweights: Naoya Inoue vs Stephen Fulton Live Updates and Video Highlights”
- “Titmus Triumphs at World Swimming Championships: A Historic Victory Unfolds”
- Dad’s Fury Unleashed: Australian Swimming Legend Reacts to Son’s Unthinkable Act at World Championships
- Golden Success Down Under: Vegas Golden Knights’ Historic Triumph in the Stanley Cup