Stephen Fulton vs Naoya Inoue – What do the experts say?
Boxing professionals, consisting of boxers, trainers, writers, shared their expert opinions on who they think wins when unified bantamweight champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton (21-0, 8KO) travels to Japan to defend his WBC and WBO World titles to “Monster” Naoya Inoue (24-0, 21KO) on Tuesday, July 25.
Here's what they had to say:
Ra’eese Aleem Super-bantamweight contender
“Fulton verses Inoue is going to be a great fight. I’ll be watching closely as either one of them are potential opponents down the road.
“I’m leaning toward Fulton to pull off the upset, but I know it’s going to be a difficult task for him being that he’s fighting overseas. People don’t realise how hard it is to get acclimated when fighting on foreign land.”
Andrew Tabiti Cruiserweight world title contender
“It depends on Fulton… what time and how long he gets [to spend] out there, but Inoue is going to get the home advantage in his own country.”
Dewey Cooper Trainer
“Inoue is moving up, will his power transfer? If his power does, he's winning the fight.
"Fulton is such a slick, swaggy boxer; he can fight that Philly inside style, he can outbox you, it's a hard fight to pick. For some reason, I believe in the Japanese fighter's power, Inoue, until he moves up to a weight class where his power isn't prevalent, I'm going to go with him. He's exciting to watch and a fantastic finisher.
"Close fight but I go with Inoue.”
Thomas Hill Super-welterweight contender
“I'm going to go with Steph. Scooter is going to do his thing. That boy can fight. I known that kid for a while from the amateurs. We fought on some of the same undercards together, that kid can fight.”
Robin Safar Unbeaten cruiserweight
“I want Fulton to win but I think Inoue is too much for him. He is the real monster. He looks solid, his power is ridiculous.”
Tim Rickson Writer
“This is size and skill vs power and pressure. Coming up to bantamweight, it's only natural to question if Inoue's power will transfer, but I have no reason to believe it won't after what I've seen so far. Those accurate body punches are going to land and cause damage in any weight class. Fulton may go on the back foot and be elusive and counter, but then he may also stand and trade like he did with Brandon Figueroa where he was able to score the more eyecatching shots.
“For me, Inoue breaks him down to win by late KO.”
Jason Moloney WBO World bantamweight champion
“Obviously it is Inoue’s first fight at 122. I think Fulton is a very good fighter and it is exciting because he brings a different style which will ask Inoue a few questions we haven’t seen before. He’s the bigger guy, Fulton is a big 122 pounder. And he is pretty slick, he’s pretty crafty. He’s got good movement, he’s quite a good counter puncher, good hand speed and he will test Inoue.
“Fulton will have a bit of a height and reach advantage, but nothing Inoue hasn’t seen before. Inoue has come up against some tall guys like Jamie McDonnell. Inoue is not as big in his physical frame and will have a ceiling on how far he goes through the weight divisions, but I think he won’t have any trouble with 122.
“For me he will just be too fast, too explosive and too technically good for Fulton. I think Fulton is a great fighter, both the [Brandon] Figueroa fight and the Daniel Roman fight are both great wins and he has beaten everyone they put in front of him. But, there are levels and Inoue is just a special, special fighter. When you get hit by Inoue, you feel it! I think he stops Fulton late in the fight. I think Inoue will catch him around round 8 or 9 maybe. I think the lack of power Fulton has got will be the downfall. He may have moments, he may even pick up a round or two, but I don’t think he has the power to stop or hurt Inoue. He would have to be perfect for every second of every round to get the victory. Inoue only has to be perfect for one second to win the fight. That is the advantage of having the power that man has.”
Antonio Zepeda Unbeaten heavyweight
“I'm rocking with Inoue. He can punch, he is elusive. It's hard to go to someone's backyard and beat them, especially in a different country, so I'm rocking with Inoue.”
Avious Griffin Unbeaten welterweight
“I'm going to ride with Fulton. I feel like he's got the skill, I don't know if he's got the pop, but I feel like that little guy coming up in weight so he should have more pop for him, being the natural, bigger guy. He's got the skill to do it.”
Anish Parekh Writer
“What an incredible week of boxing! With much of the focus on Spence-Crawford, this gem of a matchup between two undefeated talents in their absolute prime has gone a little bit under the radar.
“Inoue is one of the most talented and accomplished boxers in the sport and has left a trail of destruction across three weight divisions. He has speed, bludgeoning power, intelligence and underrated heart, as displayed in his first contest against Nonito Donaire.
“Whilst Inoue blasted Donaire away in their rematch, the first fight did make me wonder whether his effectiveness will diminish as he climbs up the weights.
“Fulton is a super talented fighter in his own right who has a flashy style with smart defensive nous, whilst still being able to mix it up and compete on the inside.
“This fight is so intriguing and a genuine 50/50, but if pushed I will tentatively lean towards Fulton to use his smarts and size to edge out Inoue in a tight unanimous decision victory.”
Arijan Goricki Featherweight prospect
“This one is the best fight in the boxing right now. I think that it will be competitive fight and Inoue's power will have an effect in the later rounds. I see Inoue winning via UD.”
Uros Djikanovic Boxing manager & advisor
“I think it will be a great fight. I will give an edge to Naoya Inoue especially in the later rounds but I think it will be a close and interesting fight. Naoya Inoue is one of the best pound for pound fighters in today's boxing. Unfortunately not a lot of people pay much attention to lover weights. Whoever wins this fight, I would love to see a rematch.”
John J. Raspanti Lead writer – editor www.maxboxing.com
“A dang good bout. Two talented fighters.
“Fulton is the bigger man. Inoue moves up a division. Will his power join him?
“Cool Steph will box, but he'll rumble as well (see Figueroa fight) Doing "that" will give Inoue chances to land.
“The latest odds(3-1 for Inoue) feel wrong. I'm thinking 7-5. My gut is telling me Inoue wins by decision.”
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