I expected Japan’s Naoya Inoue to beat Stephen Fulton in his home country to claim the WBC and WBO belts, thus, becoming a four-weight world champion.
However, the important; and telling thing would be how he wins.
Make no mistake; Fulton was a top performer at super bantamweight. But from the first bell, you could tell he did not have the power to trouble Inoue.
What made Inuoe’s win even more impressive was, although we knew he had power. He showed his slick boxing ability.
Fulton is a fighter who prides himself on his boxing ability. With the fifth lowest knockout rate of all boxing champions today, he has no choice but to be a good boxer, with head movement, footwork, and quick, slick punches.
However, Inoue took that all away from him early in the fight. I’m sure Fulton was surprised at Inoue’s quickness and movement, combined with his power and accuracy.
That was the most impressive thing about the Japanese champion, who doesn’t waste a single movement or action, and everything he does is cerebral and deliberate.
Fulton found that out very early in the fight. Though he tried to rally, every time he had a bit of success, Inoue would come to show him who was on top.
Going into the eighth round, I gave Fulton one round, the seventh. But typically, just as Fulton thought he could get back into the fight. Inoue decided to end it.
With a slick jab to the body and then a devastating right hand, it sent Fulton reeling. Inoue followed it up with a left hook that sent him to the canvas.
Inoue celebrated like the fight was over, and I didn’t blame him. But to his credit, Fulton did well to get up.
However, the end was inevitable as Inoue stalked and peppered Fulton with shots. Fulton tried to hold, but it was no use, and had to retreat.
Inoue continued to fire in blows until Fulton sunk to the ground, forcing the ref to stop the fight. It was an impressive performance to claim titles at a fourth weight class.
No sooner did he celebrate did they haul the WBA and IBF champion Marlon Tapales into the ring.
The Philippines fighter did well not to show any fear as he stepped into the ring to face up with Inoue. Especially, after watching such a devastating performance.
I’v no doubt Inoue will beat Tapales to become and two-weight undisputed champion. Then the possibilities will be interesting,
How higher in weight can he go? No person is invincible, but his ceiling seems higher than most.
Already in the top echelons of the pound-for-pound rankings, his ongoing escapades in boxing are certainly making a solid claim for that no1 spot.
