Naoya Inoue – Undisputed again – Fighter of the Year 2023
A year ago, Naoya Inoue was the undisputed bantamweight champion. Inoue talked about jumping to 122 pounds and becoming uncontested there.
Last July, Inoue fought Stephen Fulton, the current WBC and WBO super bantamweight champion. Many chose the undefeated Fulton to defeat the fighter nicknamed “The Monster.”
Fulton was coming off a dominant victory over Daniel Roman. This after going head to head with Brandon Figueroa and emerging victorious. “Cool Boy Steph” is super fast and athletic.
Inoue had started his career at 108 pounds. This jump was too ambitious, several experts said. Fulton would do the job. Inoue was sharp and precise from the opening bell. He overtook the skillful and stalked.
Fulton tried to stay with him, but couldn’t. Inoue beat him in every way imaginable. The ending was impressive.
A right hand seriously hurt Fulton. A follow-up left sent Fulton to the ground on his back. The Philadelphia fighter was left shocked and injured. He somehow defeated the count. Inoue attacked and released until the referee stopped the fight.
Monstrous.
A few weeks ago, Inoue challenged IBF and WBA super bantamweight champion Marlan Tapales. Inoue stopped the determined Tapales in the tenth round.
Again indisputable, the second time in two years.
His achievement earned him the Maxboxing Fighter of the Year award for 2023.
