Top Rank on ESPN: Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Esteban Nery Hernández & Masago Akui vs. Taku Kuwahara II RBR

Never hook with a hooker but jab with a jabber? Kuwahara looks for his own jab early and is throwing a mobile guard in - definitely looking for his own jab more. Lively start to the third, looks more like the first. Very close, very good third. Akui looked like he was going to put Kuwahara under control after about 100 seconds but Kuwahara has come roaring back with bodywork of his own - close round, I'll call it for Akui but Kuwahara has the bones of a solution here.

Kuwahara:1,
Akui: 2,3,

 

He and Andrew will have something in common, being knocked out cold by a southpaw.

 

Lound Foe-ah!

 

Round 1 Kuwahara 10-9, close
Round 2 Akui 10-9
Round 3 Akui 10-9
Round 4 Akui 10-9

Akui coming forward, probing with the jab, Taku firing off combos all to the gloves, he's afraid to go to the body, doesn't want to open his chin up to a clean right. Akui lands violent jab to the stomach, loops in a savage overhand right. Akui beautifully parrying the jabs and rights of Taku and countering over the top of them, with brutal rights.

 

Kuwahara tries to slow this down early but Akui will out-snipe him. He's fighting hard but has a slightly hunted look already I feel. He's going to get outsniped with the jab, but it's so hard to match Akui's momentum to outfight him. He's got strategic problems that I don't think he can solve tactically...sort of reduces him to the puncher's chance but he's still keeping these rounds close with good variety and bravery. Tough night's work this.

Kuwahara:1,
Akui: 2,3,4,

 

What the **** is it with this dingy **** Poncher? She has a hell of a hard time processing Akui apparently, she was talking out of her ass the entire Dalakian fight, now she thinks this fight is close. Dopey broad.

 

This is such a good fight. Kuwahara is having a tough time but is a part of making it this good.