Naoya Inoue asserted his dominance as the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer with a commanding eight-round TKO victory over Stephen Fulton in Tokyo for the WBO title. The brutal performance earned Naoya Inoue the WBO and WBC junior featherweight titles. Despite fighting at 122 pounds for the first time, Inoue showcased his skills, pummeling Fulton with a monstrous right hand followed by a devastating left hook that sent him crashing to the canvas. The referee stopped the bout after a barrage of shots from Inoue.
This historic win made Inoue a four-division champion, solidifying his status as an all-time great. He called out Marlon Tapales, aiming for the undisputed junior featherweight championship this fall. Inoue’s remarkable journey includes capturing the undisputed bantamweight title in December and now dominating the super bantamweight division.
Fulton, though valiant in previous title fights, couldn’t match Inoue’s brilliance. The American faced an insurmountable challenge against the formidable Japanese star, who won each round convincingly. Despite being a +290 underdog, Fulton couldn’t overcome Inoue’s unmatched skill and speed.
Inoue’s victory cements his status as a four-division champion, having won his first title at 108 pounds. His next challenge awaits in a highly anticipated showdown against Marlon Tapales for the undisputed junior featherweight championship. Fans can expect fireworks as Inoue continues to showcase his unparalleled boxing skills on the global stage.
In the co-main event, Robeisy Ramirez successfully defended his WBO featherweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Satoshi Shimizu. The Olympic gold medalist from Cuba faced controversy before the fight when the Cuban Embassy in Japan attempted to censor the Cuban national anthem and flag. Also, Ramirez, who defected from Cuba in 2018, boldly expressed his defiance, carrying his homeland’s anthem and flag in his heart.
These two electrifying victories showcased the resilience and determination of these world-class boxers. Inoue continues to push the boundaries of greatness, while Ramirez remains a symbol of freedom and courage in the face of adversity. The boxing world eagerly anticipates their next spectacular performances.
