⭐️⭐️⭐️ Naoya Inoue Vs. Stephen Fulton Jr. — FINAL PREDICTIONS ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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“Stephen Fulton has boxed his way to claiming both the WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles and has a spotless 21-0 record but none of that will help him on July 25 when he defends those titles against “challenger” Naoya Inoue in Tokyo. It speaks to Inoue’s drawing power that the fight is in the “challenger’s” country not the US and that power comes from what will be Fulton’s biggest problem – Inoue’s crushing punching power. Some have argued that Inoue is at some risk because he is moving up in weight for the fifth time after winning world titles from light flyweight to bantamweight over the past three years. This will be his first fight at 122 pounds but there has been little indication that the rise in weight has sapped his punching power in any significant way. Fulton is a fine boxer who will give Inoue problems initially but eventually the mind-numbing power of Inoue, power that has led him to 21 knockout victories in 24 fights, will take its toll, first wearing Fulton down and eventually knocking him down. Fighting halfway around the world from home will only enhance the difficulties Fulton will be forced to try and overcome. When it’s all said and done, Inoue will stop Fulton somewhere in the latter third of the fight. If not sooner.”

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“This fight surely will meet all of the expectations of the fight game, all the talk and attention is commanded by Inoue given the fact this fight is in his backyard. With a hugely impressive record. The question has to be can the monster be tamed? Fulton, the naturally bigger man at 122-pounds, for me, is favourite to win this unified battle. Inoue’s power can only take him so far, his trade mark bodyshots will be blocked, slipped or parried away, we’re talking levels. Thus far Inoue has dominated his opponents with reputation and backing up his boast. The problem is the slick punching classy Fulton looks to have the answer he’s not a big puncher but more of a very good all- rounder with a good chin and a very good engine. Inoue will be forced to fight at a very uncomfortable pace and will get outboxed, Fulton won’t be intimidated by Inoue’s reputation and wins by majority decision.”

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“Great match up that I just don’t see going the distance. Fulton is incredible boxer puncher, but Inoue is a pound-for-pound great! His power and speed are special. I see Fulton making a fight but not being able fight off Inoue for 12-rounds. Inoue by KO.”

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“I think Fulton’s best chance is to make Inoue feel his strength and use his size on him. I think it’s a long night for Fulton. I think Inoue wins by knockout in the later rounds or by decision.”

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“Despite the odds favouring Inoue, this should be a highly competitive fight. Fulton presents problems that Inoue has rarely if ever encountered. The American is a natural 122-pounder, he’s known for his defensive prowess, and he’s arguably the best pure boxer that Inoue will ever have shared a ring with. The champ has never been down as a professional and his tactical know-how should keep him out of danger in the early rounds. But 12-rounds is a long time. If Fulton is having success off the backfoot, you can almost guarantee that Inoue will be wearing him down with suffocating pressure. Inoue is excellent at cutting off the ring, and his presence and positioning as an offensive fighter is sure to empty Fulton’s tank over time. When a fighter gets tired, they lose their shape, their reflexes, and their durability. That spells doom. Inoue is a patient assassin and he’s likely to break through with something devastating late on, which will invariably force the referee or Fulton’s corner to call a halt to the action.”

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“I think it’s a great fight. Both of those fighters are excellent. Inoue definitely has the power in his favor but I feel like Fulton has the length and the boxing I.Q. plus, I don’t believe Inoue has ever been in the ring with an African American fighter before and that’s a very pivotal piece of the puzzle. There’s a difference in the style, the movement and just the work rate and ability itself. I feel not being familiar with that will go in Fulton’s favor. I think it will be an entertaining fight. I would favor Fulton by split decision.”

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“This is a great fight and keep going back and forth with my pick, I think Fulton is going to box Inoue’s ears off, but I give the edge to Inoue for the simple fact that he is fighting in a comfortable setting, and he has a little edge on activity. This is Fulton’s first fight on the road, so that is a lot of pressure, but if he can pull it off, I stand corrected and will give all the credit to Fulton.”

 

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“Incredible fight, truly hope it gets the attention that it deserves. Both of these guys undefeated, barely in the prime of their careers, and have both taken out a number of top guys thus far to get to this point. I do believe that Fulton has his back against the wall here, he’s fighting in Inoue’s backyard, and he also has been inactive. In my opinion he is going to have to fight the absolute perfect fight in order to get out of Japan with a win. He also doesn’t possess much power at all, which will be a problem when trying to keep the Monster off of you for 12-rounds. I have Inoue earning the unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.”

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“Even though Fulton is a natural junior featherweight and an excellent boxer I don’t think he has the power to neutralize the pressure of Inoue but he will be skilled enough to avoid the knockout and be competitive at times.”

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“The fight of fights. Fulton definitely has the ability to do this with his speed, timing, sharp punching and foot work. But the lack of relative punching power alongside a regard for the fight could be his undoing. Fulton might need to be perfect to win and Inoue isn’t Wilder; his danger is ever present. Originally, I though Fulton’s speed and size might carry him to a decision win but Inoue is a freak and part of history. He might have to toil for this though, perhaps by decision rather than knockout.”

 

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“The monster is moving up again, looking to conquor another division. And he’s going after one of the best in the division in Fulton. Fulton confidence in himself that he’ll be fighting in Japan. Most champions want home advantage, but Fulton believes he has what it takes to win and return home as the champion of the world. I like the confidence and as a true champion he’s willing to go abroad. Unfortunately for Fulton, he’s fighting probably the greatest Japanese fighter ever in Inoue. The fight will start with caution as both fighters will want to test the waters. Fulton, good movement and angles, with good hand speed. Only problem is that his punching power won’t be enough to stop the monster from coming. Inoue’s timing is one of his greatest assets and I believe he’ll bring his power the junior featherweight division. I see a competitive fight while it last. Both will get a few shots in, but the Inoue power will mark the difference and I see Inoue catching Fulton and maybe even stopping him in the later rounds. I think Inoue will win either late stoppage or a unanimous decision in a fan-friendly fight.”

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“I think Inoue is tested, but comes through very solidly. His power will keep him in control for the most part. Inoue by 12-round unanimous decision.”

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“I like Fulton in this fight. I think he’s going to be able to control the range. I think he’s going to outbox Inoue in a way and perplex him. I like Fulton’s ring generalship handspeed and I just think overall he’s a much craftier fighter.”

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“A Battle of the Little Giants, reminiscent of Jeff Chandler and Richie Sandoval. I believe this is going to be Inoue’s toughest fight to date due to Fulton’s skill. However, as all great that rise to the occasion, I truly believe Inoue is special and an all-time great who will rise to the occasion and unify the belts in the late rounds. TKO or unanimous decision.”

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“Fulton definitely has the skills, he’s flashy but doesn’t have pop. He needs to box, box and box. Inoue is all about power and pressure. This is a 50/50 fight. I lean more towards Inoue in close hometown decision.”

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Pedomiro is still a child molester and boxing joke no matter how much you try to discredit Inoue. He's completely irrelevant at this point and deservedly so.

 

Fulton's gonna try to bully and smother Inoue on the inside. How do y'all think Inoue's gonna handle it?

 

Tuesday @ 4:30 AM ET, so you should be good after your night shift stocking shelves.