Naoya Inoue left little room for error after another sparkling performance in Tokyo
Naoya Inoue once again proved why he is among the best fighters of this generation.
Fighting once again in the Ariake Arena on Tuesday, September 3, ‘The Monster’ dispatched of durable Australian TJ Doheny in just seven rounds to claim the 25th stoppage win of his career.
The fight started off cagey, with the Japanese superstar starting slower, clearly wary of Doheny’s unusual southpaw style and explosive power, opting to work to the challenger’s body instead of headhunting.
37-year-old Doheny held his own through the opening four rounds. Still clearly behind on the scorecard but, having seemingly earned the champion’s respect, he looked to have an outside chance of leaving with an upset stoppage after landing some good combinations, and his movement appeared to confuse Inoue through the first 15 minutes.
However, entering the sixth round, the tides turned and Inoue stepped on the gas. The four-weight world champ’s diligent work to the body paid off as the Australian-based Irishman gradually slowed down allowing the undisputed king to begin unleashing short disciplined combinations.
Entering the seventh round, the fight looked already decided, and it didn’t take long for 31-year-old Inoue to earn another notch on his belt.
Right from the bell the pressure was piled on the challenger, who was forced to retreat into the corner and subject to a barrage of brutal body shots. Eventually, a worn-out Doherty fell to his knee before holding his back as the fight was waved off and the defeated Australian staggered to his corner, suffering from an apparent back injury.
“This fight didn’t end how we expected, but fighting a long career like this, this a night we might have,” Inoue stated following the fight.
“I want to celebrate how TJ Doheny brought the fight into this ring,” he respectfully added.
Fan Reaction
Taking to X after the fight, fans were quick to show their amazement at Inoue’s devastating power.
“Naoya Inoue hit TJ Doheny so hard to the body that he said he couldn’t use his legs to continue the fight. That is scary power,” one fan wrote.
Despite a dominant win, some questioned why Inoue appeared slow out the block in yesterday’s showdown, theorising that perhaps being knocked down against Louis Nery in his previous outing has damaged his confidence.
“I believe the knockdown Naoya Inoue sustained in the Luis Nery fight had an impact in yesterday’s win over TJ Doheny.
“He wasn’t regularly throwing his five, six punches combinations, whilst bouncing in and out of range.”
In Inoue’s matchup against Nery, ‘The Monster fell to the canvas for the first time in his career, after a spectacular left hand found its way onto Inoue’s chin in the opening round.
Perhaps the 31-year-old has learned from his mistake, choosing to stay safe and vigilant, them wear out his opponent with smart shots as opposed to coming forward from the get-go as we have all become accustomed to seeing.
Despite Doheny’s advanced age, the former champion is still a force, which he proved by going unbeaten on Japanese soil. His experience and counter-punching abilities could have allowed him to find an opening if the champion came out overly eager. It was only 10 months ago when he iced unbeaten Japhethlee Llamido out cold with a single shot in round one.
In Inoue’s defence, the plan worked, as he was able to sail to a comfortable victory without ever looking to be in any real danger throughout the fight, but it took effort and intelligence.
Inoue set to conquer Vegas
Inoue has now made two defences as the undisputed super bantam champ, previously sharing that he wishes to grow into the new weight before potentially moving up again.
Legendary promotor Bob Arum did reveal that they have something big planned for the pound-for-pound phenom in the near future.
“I understand he’ll be coming back here to Tokyo to defend his title again at the end of the year and then we are taking him to the United States for a big celebration in Vegas,” Arum revealed.
It is unclear who the 31-year-old Asian star will face in Vegas later this year. There have been calls for him to match up against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, though the difference in weights between the two fighters and Inoue showing little interest in leaving the 122lbs division yet, a showdown between the pair in 2025 seems highly unlikely.
Here’s a list of potential opponents:
Sam Goodman (19-0, 8KO), Australia
John Riel Casimero (33-4-1, 22KO), Phillipines
David Picasso (29-0-1, 16KO), Mexico
Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9KO), Uzbekistan
Liam Davies (16-0, 8KO), England