Detailed report: On Tuesday, December 26, 2023 (Boxing Day United Kingdom) from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, It’s the best Christmas gift that’s been delayed a day. Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue vs. Marlon ‘Nightmare’ Tapales (ESPN+) Unification fight (Super Featherweight). NOTE! This fight starts at 4 am PDT. Check your directory for the start time in your time zone. Brew some coffee and get ready. Or watch a replay the next morning.
Background: Cool Boy Steph Fulton was chosen by some of the top experts to cool down Inoue’s ‘Hype’ train, as it was slanderously labeled. Especially by Cool Boy Steph. Steph was undefeated and is a tremendous fighter. She had brief moments, but from the first bell, Fulton couldn’t deal with Inoue’s speed. Inoue could more than deal with his, as well as Fulton’s great Philadelphia boxing skills. Fulton did not give up, but had to be cautious as he waited for occasional opportunities. He was academic when Inoue suddenly crushed Cool Boy with that power, twice in the eighth round, the second time late in the fight. Fulton complained amusingly (hey, I’m a demon), even as he staggered for a few moments before caretakers took him away. Poignantly, the Japanese crowd showered the brave loser with cheers. Unforgettable.
In the ring, Naoya Inoue is a real-life monster. Outside, shopping in his preppy clothes and his glasses, the friendly monster literally looks like a 20-year-old student or bank manager, almost as dangerous as Cheerios. Back in the ring, watching him hit gloves or opponents, you can only swallow: the guy is a terror. Evolution chose this small, harmless-looking man to carry the power of falling rocks in his fists.
Even as the Inoue legend grew, some good experts, such as Tim Bradley, were initially skeptical of Inoue’s story. Bradley was quickly convinced.
I was a believer, ASAP. Still, I felt like Inoue would never be the same after showing mercy to Nonito Donaire in his first fight. Monster had just staggered the guy from San Leandro and Donaire was helpless. All Inoue had to do was tag Donaire and fight, but he held on.
It may have been great sportsmanship, but it was foolish. Donaire recovered and broke Inoue’s nose and, worse, fractured his orbital bone. Although Inoue won the fight, I thought he would never be the same. Instead, he demonstrated that while his fighting talent seems almost limitless, his strength, which I believe is determined by each person, not evolution, is much greater. That being said, I still think his injuries will shorten his career, and I don’t care who disagrees.
Fighter Ratings: (Speed, Power, Defense, Range, Age, Stamina, Experience)
Nayoya Inoue: AA B+ B B- A B+ (B+ 3.5)
Marlon Tapales: B+B B+ BB B+B (B 3.1)
Reality check: All of these lighter guys seem to have extravagant styles and Tapales, a truly talented fighter, is no exception. The lefty throws 1-2 circulars, but even though they are telegraphed, due to strange angles and timing, they still land. Plus, the guy has insanely fast first-strike power with both hands. In the film, he is kayoed guys with initial lefts to the body as well as rights to the head. Inoue will have to be very careful. Additionally, Tapales has excellent balance and a textbook shift from the back foot to the front foot. He can also punch powerfully off the back foot.
That being said, I have to favor the Monster. I noticed that Ring Magazine’s experts picked Inoue 19-0 over Kayo. Remember, however, what Larry Merchant once said: “There is no horse that cannot be ridden, no rider has not been knocked down.” This is boxing. This is not baseball, football, hockey, MMA or any other sport. this is boxing, right fans? ID Give Tapales 50-50 against Fulton and give him a chance against Inoue.
Only UK broadcasters seem to mention that Inoue’s “engine”, his constant activity, could, at 30, fail at any moment. He would still be great, but that Michael Jordan-like energy is the key. He, too, can’t take too many hits in the eyes again. Covid and the orbital fracture meant that what Inoue should have demonstrated at 28, he is now demonstrating at 30.
Inoue’s reach is substantially better than Tapales’ and if he can avoid getting caught by Tapale’s incredibly fast striking with either hand, I think he is simply the best or second best fighter in the world, at any weight. On top of that, Inoue is also a tremendous defensive fighter, as Fulton discovered. A little too much for Marlon.
I see Inoue exerting his unique advantages of power and speed to win by TKO 8-9. But you can’t sleep on Tapales de Tubod, Philippines.
If I’m right and Inoue prevails, let this be a warning: enjoy the holidays, drive safely, and don’t judge books by their covers. Especially if the cover photo looks like a harmless bank teller.
