Inoue out of #1 p4p discussions after the Junto fight

It's not the worst idea, I'd definitely watch it, but Bam needs to prove himself against a legit bantam or super bantam for me, otherwise I don't really see how the fight sells. Going toe to toe with Sunny Edwards for 9 rounds doesn't convince me he can take Inoue's best shots.

 

Bam is incredible; I'd have him in my top 5 P4P. It's just the weight issue I can't see past. If he looks impressive at bantam and super bantam, then I'd give him more of a chance, but having watched Estrada put him down, I think Inoue completely switches his lights out.

Bam could easily be up on the cards for a few rounds, but Inoue has knocked out Fulton, who is now all the way up at lightweight and fighting for world titles. Bam has never really faced adversity in the same way Inoue has. I just think it's too early for him, especially if it happens in Japan.

 

thats a fair assessment. my whole prediction is based on bam being able to assimilate the extra weight effectively without losing anything. thats a tough ask, and i admit that as a huge fan of his i am giving him the benefit of the doubt. but i understand its more likely he cant than he can. what he does have going for him is generations of top trainers guiding him to do it correctly, so his genetics will be maximized. will that be enough, im gambling that it will be. but as far as pure boxing skill, ring generalship and toolboxes, i give bam the edge.

 

it was, he was way more embarrassed than affected. bam has never been hurt by anybody where they thought it was safe to push the issue.
yes, inoue doesnt have the same legs anymore, which is to be expected. i think the kind of pressure that bam puts on his opponents is going to empty out inoue much faster. its not so much the physical pressure that he imposes, its the mental pressure than forces guys to start making mistakes. his tremendous footwork keeps him just inside the danger zone no matter where or how you move, hes always there, in position to seriously hurt you. and it doesnt matter if your trying to pressure him, or hes hunting you down, hes always there in position to strike. you have no idea what that does to your ability to remain focused enough to see and react to dangerous situations. your mind starts having lapses, and thats all it takes to wake up looking up at the lights or feeling like your liver is in a bear trap.

 

Yeah, he wasn't visibly hurt, but a knockdown is a knockdown in my eyes. I think it shows he can be caught and put down, and if Estrada can do it, then I just think Inoue will as well at some stage. Stranger things have happened in the boxing ring than Bam outboxing Inoue, though, and I definitely wouldn't be that shocked.

He's a phenomenon, and if they were the same size and weight, I would probably give Bam the edge because of his age. Inoue has looked fatigued because of his activity more than his age, in my opinion. If he takes 6 months off, I think we'll see the best of him again, and I think he beats Bam by stoppage. Honestly, I think Bam should fight Nakatani first to prove he has what it takes to fight for all the belts at 122 pounds, and I think Junto beats him as well. I have been wrong before, though.

 

Maybe, but an extra 6 months shouldn't make too much of a difference. If Bam moved up and beat Nakatani, then I'd probably revise my opinion of the Bam vs Inoue fight, but at the moment, it's just too much of a jump in class and weight; it feels like it's being rushed.

 

the skill level in the ring would be insane. and both are ultra aggressive in their individual style so it would be edge of your seat stuff for the entire fight. a pryor vs arguello vibe.

 

Yeah, defo disagree here. Inoue is too much and will land a monstruous counter and/or his own trap shot. Fight changes afterward and Inoue walks down en route to stoppage.

 

Vergil v Fundora is pretty dang good too
Bivol v Benavidez

Those are my two must-see fights. I would rather Inoue go to 126 than stay for Bam. A Bam win moves little given size advantage and a 126 championship run/undisputed does a TON.