Naoya Inoue Secures Undisputed Super-Bantamweight Title as TJ Doheny Withdraws with Injury
In a dramatic turn of events, Japanese boxing sensation Naoya Inoue successfully defended his undisputed super-bantamweight title against Irish challenger TJ Doheny. The bout, held at Tokyo's Ariake Arena, ended abruptly when Doheny was forced to quit in the seventh round due to an injury, leaving Inoue with an impressive victory.
From the outset, Inoue’s dominance was apparent. His relentless pressure and aggressive body work overwhelmed Doheny, who struggled to fend off the Japanese powerhouse. Despite a valiant effort from Doheny, who is known for his resilience and skill, Inoue's relentless assault took its toll. By the sixth round, Doheny's face bore the marks of Inoue’s punishing blows, and he appeared increasingly compromised.
The turning point came early in the seventh round when Doheny, already showing signs of discomfort, experienced a “twinge” in his back. After an exchange of punches, Doheny dropped to his knee, clearly in pain, and indicated he could no longer continue. This sudden end to the fight was a stark contrast to the highlight-reel finishes Inoue is known for. Nevertheless, the victory marked Inoue’s 28th consecutive win and further solidified his reputation as one of boxing’s premier talents.
Also Read:- Meet the Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 6: Glamour, Drama, and All the Glitter
- Central Texans Advised to Steer Clear of Flooded Roads Amid Heavy Rainfall
Inoue, reflecting on the fight, expressed a mix of disappointment and gratitude. “This fight didn’t end how we expected,” he said through a translator. “But fighting a long career like this, nights like these are part of the journey. I want to celebrate how TJ Doheny brought the fight into the ring.” His humility and respect for his opponent were evident, even as he celebrated his latest achievement.
This match was Inoue’s 23rd world title fight since he first competed for a title in 2014. His promoter, Bob Arum, revealed that Inoue will defend his titles again in Tokyo later this year before heading to Las Vegas for a major bout in 2025. As a four-division world champion, Inoue has already made significant waves in light flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight, and now super bantamweight. Despite the early end to this fight, his ability to adapt and overcome challenges was on full display.
Doheny, a seasoned veteran with sharp movements and significant experience, presented challenges for Inoue, particularly in the early rounds. At one point, Doheny even appeared to have the upper hand, landing a powerful punch that might have turned the tide. However, Inoue’s strategic adjustments and relentless pressure gradually wore down the challenger.
With his latest win, Inoue’s claim to the top spot in boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings is only strengthened. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his future bouts, especially as he prepares to return to Japan and later take his talents to the United States. Inoue’s promise of more exciting performances is sure to keep the boxing world on edge.
The night also featured notable performances from other fighters. Yoshiki Takei retained his WBO bantamweight title in a grueling battle against Daigo Higa, while Andy Hiraoka and Jin Sasaki showcased their potential with impressive victories in their respective fights.
As the boxing calendar progresses, all eyes will remain on Inoue, whose journey through the ranks and recent successes continue to captivate the sport’s global audience.
Read More:
0 Comments