Author: Sean Close
Naoya Inoue’s prowess as a boxer is undeniable. His powerful body shots are not only visible and audible, but they practically resonate. Just witnessing Inoue in action provides a valuable learning experience. Despite being unorthodox, Inoue has an unbeaten record of 26 wins and 0 losses. Moreover, he now holds the undisputed world champion title for the second time, following his impressive win against Marlon Tapares with a knockout in the 10th round at the Ariake Arena in Japan.
Inoue’s victory added the IBF and WBA junior featherweight title belts to his collection, solidifying his position as the undisputed junior featherweight champion. This achievement comes after his previous title as the undisputed bantamweight champion in 2022, marking a remarkable success within a relatively short span of time. Currently, it’s challenging to foresee any opponent who could pose a real threat to Inoue, unless he decides to move up a weight class.
Despite Inoue’s dominance, credit must be given to Tapares, his opponent in the match. Tapares displayed resilience and determination, although he was unable to secure a win. Notably, he managed to land some significant blows and put up a strong fight against the formidable Inoue. However, he ultimately succumbed to Inoue’s superiority.
Inoue’s exceptional abilities were evident throughout the match, particularly in the fourth round when Tapares showed a brief glimpse of his skills. In response, Inoue remained composed and retaliated with even greater fervor, ultimately sending Tapares to the mat. Despite Tapares’ tenacious spirit, he was unable to match Inoue’s strength and skill, leading to his defeat after being knocked out for the second time.
*Image: Top Rank
