Naoya Inoue will fight TJ Doheny in Tokyo today, defending his undisputed super-bantamweight titles against the Irishman.
Inoue is arguably the No 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, with an undefeated record and a stunning knockout rate. The Japanese, 31, has eased through most of his fights so far, becoming a two-weight undisputed champion in the process – and having held titles in four divisions overall.
Last time out, however, he faced the most adversity he has ever encountered, when he was knocked down by Luis Nery in round one in May. The “Monster” rallied impressively, though, dropping Nery in rounds two, five and six, with the final knockdown finishing the fight.
Next up for Inoue is Doheny, a veteran southpaw who travels to Inoue’s backyard in search of an upset. The 37-year-old enters Tokyo with a professional record of 26-4 (20 knockouts), while Inoue is 27-0 (24 KOs).
Follow live updates and results from Inoue vs Doheny and the undercard, below.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Next up, it’s an all-Japanese clash: the unbeaten Yoshiki Takei defends the WBO bantamweight title against Daigo Higa.
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:55
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Top Rank president Todd duBoef, speaking in a recent Inoue documentary:
“I don’t even think you talk about Inoue in a division; I think you talk about him in a time.”
He truly is a generational talent.
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:45
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Ismael Barroso vs Andy Hiraoka
Down goes Barroso in round nine! It’s his second knockdown of the fight, and it comes after a beautiful combination from Hiraoka! Southpaw cross, right uppercut – great work.
Barroso falls to his knees in the corner, and although he’s soon back up, it’s only 20 seconds or so before he falls to his knees again…
Once more he’s back up, very late in the round, but Barroso’s corner calls it! It’s all over!
With Barroso surely trailing by some way on the scorecards, that’s a smart decision from his team.
Andy Hiraoka def. Ismael Barroso via ninth-round TKO (2:58). He moves to 24-0 (19 KOs).
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:33
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Ismael Barroso vs Andy Hiraoka
Barroso with a really strong moment in round eight, to be fair to him, landing a textbook double-jab, right hand.
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:30
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Ismael Barroso vs Andy Hiraoka
I always forget how quiet and respectful the Japanese crowds tend to be at these shows!
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:28
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Ismael Barroso vs Andy Hiraoka
Barroso looks his 41 years, it must be said. The unbeaten Hiraoka, 28, with a great end to round seven, punishing his opponent with hooks and uppercuts.
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:24
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: The ‘Monster’ in pictures
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:23
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: ‘Monster’s last fight, revisited
Here is a look back at Inoue’s last fight, in May, when he recovered from a shock knockdown to stop Luis Nery:
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 10:03
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Japanese star, pound-for-pound No 1?
As Steve mentioned in the last post, Inoue may be the best boxer in the world, but where does he rank on the Indy Sport pound-for-pound list?
Spoiler alert, you may have to scroll down some way…
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 09:52
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Steve Bunce fight preview
“He won his first world title 10 years ago, has added world titles at three different weights, and has stopped or knocked out 24 of the 27 men he has met in professional fights.
“This morning in Japan, Inoue will have his 23rd world title fight when he defends his super-bantamweight titles against the tough Irish-Australian, TJ Doheny. It will be over by about round six.”
Read Steve Bunce’s fight preview in full, right here:
Alex Pattle3 September 2024 09:42
