Naoya Inoue returns to action Tuesday in Japan, taking on Marlon Tapales with the top four world titles at 122 pounds on the line.
The fight, which will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the United States, will see Inoue attempt to become undisputed in a second weight division, having achieved that honor a year ago as a bantamweight.
Will “The Monster” become an undisputed one-two punch in what is quickly becoming a Hall of Fame career?
Scott Christ (107-43)
We’re all always excited to see Inoue return, it’s an absolute must-see on TV, but in terms of trying to “preview” this or “break it down” it’s very simple.
We have arguably the best boxer on the planet against a pretty good opponent who was stopped by Ryosuke Iwasa not long ago. Tapales, like everyone, will give their best. Tapales, like the vast majority, will be decimated by his efforts. Inoue TKO-5
Wil Esco (115-35)
Inoue has already proven that he is more than a great fighter; He is someone truly special. There is a huge gulf between him and Tapales, and I hope that is demonstrated as briefly as this election. Inoue TKO-4
Juan Hansen (107-43)
I respect Tapales for accepting the challenge, but Inoue is a marvel and I obviously pick him to win this fight. Everyone else in the headlines here, and everywhere else in the boxing universe, should have him winning this fight.
Inoue does not leak. He fights closer to perfection and without error than anyone at the highest levels in any weight class, and he has violent power to boot. Barring an injury or some radical lack of dedication, the only way I can see Inoue losing a fight is by getting too old or gaining too much weight. He is a marvel and I am delighted for every opportunity we have to see him demonstrate his mastery of the sport. Inoue KO-7
Patrick Stumberg (112-38)
Inoue is the best boxer on planet Earth. I firmly believe that from now on, he could lead the table not only in the super bantamweight elite but also in the featherweight elite. This is a potential three-weight undisputed champion; there are fifty feet of empty air between the average champion and “The Monster.”
With all due respect to Marlon Tapales, he is the “average champion” in this scenario. He’s a decent fighter and hits harder than a sub-50 percent knockout rate would suggest, but Ryosuke Iwasa took him out five fights back and earned this opportunity by scoring a victory over the most lethargic Murodjon Akhmadaliev we’ve ever seen. seen. .
Aside from being the first competent southpaw Inoue has faced since Juan Carlos Payano in 2018, there is nothing in his arsenal that I can imagine that would worry Inoue. After watching his excellent compatriot Gojira set the stage, Inoue also dazzles the audience with his own feat of historical destruction. Inoue TKO-5
