Naoya Inoue further solidified his position as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter on Monday by overcoming adversity to defend his undisputed junior featherweight title with a technical knockout of Luis Nery.
In front of a capacity crowd of approximately 50,000 spectators at the Tokyo Dome, the audience fell silent as Inoue, known as the Monster, was knocked down for the first time in his 12-year professional career by a powerful left hook near the end of the opening round. However, displaying unwavering focus, the undefeated Japanese sensation quickly regained his footing and retaliated. He sent his Mexican counterpart to the canvas in the second and fifth rounds before delivering a decisive right hook in the sixth to end the bout.
Reflecting on the match, Inoue remarked, “I don’t recall much of what my dad [head trainer Shingo Inoue] said during the break, but that knockdown served as strong motivation for me. I maintained my concentration until the fight’s conclusion.”
In less than half a year after his historic victory over Marlon Tapales to unify the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO world titles at 122lbs, the 31-year-old Inoue continued to solidify his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. With a record of 21-0 and 19 knockouts in world championship bouts, he has been on a destructive path through boxing’s weight classes reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao’s prime.
Facing Nery, a former two-division world champion, with a record of 35-2 and 27 KOs, Inoue found himself in a hostile environment as the Tijuana southpaw entered the ring as a 10-1 underdog. However, Nery stunned his opponent in the first round with a powerful left hand. Although Inoue seemed surprised, he quickly regained his composure after taking a knee and managed to survive until the end of the round.
In the second round, Inoue retaliated with a precise counter left hook, sending Nery to the canvas. As the fight progressed, Inoue appeared to anticipate his opponent’s moves, while Nery struggled to adjust his strategy, leading to further complications in the third round.
In the fourth round, Inoue showcased his unique blend of power, speed, and footwork by confidently gesturing to his jaw and flaunting his skills in the center of the ring. As Inoue continued to land punches on Nery, the Mexican’s face began to swell, with Inoue targeting his midsection with left-hand shots.
During the fifth round, Inoue seized an opportunity when Nery momentarily dropped his guard, allowing Inoue to deliver a powerful left hand to his chin, resulting in Nery’s second knockdown of the fight. Although Nery managed to beat the count and survive until the end of the round, his fate was sealed in the sixth when a massive right hand from Inoue sent him to the canvas for the third and final time, prompting referee Michael Griffin to step in.
According to Compubox’s punch statistics, Inoue landed 107 of 239 punches (44.8%), while Nery connected with only 54 of 194 punches (27.8%).
Following the fight, Inoue expressed his appreciation for Nery and acknowledged the motivation he received from the knockdown. Despite the intense competition, Inoue shook hands with Nery, acknowledging him as a formidable opponent.
This victory marked another sensational finish for the 5ft 5in knockout specialist from Kanagawa prefecture. Inoue’s remarkable journey includes winning his first world title at 108lbs in just his sixth professional fight, followed by capturing belts at 115lbs and achieving undisputed champion status at 118lbs and 122lbs within a span of 378 days.
A card featuring four world title fights marked boxing’s return to the Big Egg, a venue not visited since February 1990, when underdog James ‘Buster’ Douglas stunned the boxing world by knocking out the then-unbeaten heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in one of the most legendary upsets in sports history.
Comparing Inoue to Tyson would be a disservice; he stands out as an even greater force, both in his accomplishments and his relentless pursuit of victory. In his career, Inoue has faced off against 13 world champions, emerging victorious in every encounter. At 31, he has already cemented himself as one of the greatest fighters across all weight divisions and eras—a genuine superstar and arguably the most captivating figure in sports today.
Whether Inoue’s latest triumphs are enough to surpass undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford and claim the top spot on boxing’s pound-for-pound list is open to interpretation. However, it’s undeniable that the discussion has narrowed to a compelling two-way contest.
Even before leaving the ring on Monday night, Inoue hinted at his next challenge—a showdown in September against the undefeated Australian Sam Goodman, currently ranked as the top junior featherweight contender by two of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for over a year,” Goodman declared as he stepped into the ring to confront Inoue. “Either defend those belts or face me. Let’s make it happen.”