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

You said it yourself, Inoue is fighting against naturally bigger fighters. Donaire was one of the biggest punchers in boxing p4p. Much bigger banger than anyone Bud has faced.

126 is probably about right for Inoue, but his ego may take him further, which could be a step too far.

 

What a card!

TJ Doheny has kinda resurrected his career and done so in Japan. I love that he is finding success in the twilight of his career.
Takuma Inoue is on an absolute roll. I never expected to see anything this good from him. I was pretty sure he would loose his title soon after winning it. But his last two performances, albeit not against the best of the division, have been really good. I would love to see him unify, I think he might upset one of the other 4 Japanese kings.
Speaking of kings, well done Yoshiki Takei! I had faith in him and he delivered. Now all 4 belts at 118 belong to the Japanese.
Seigo Yuri Akui proved that he belongs at the world level by showcasing his improvements vs Kuwahara.

 

What happened? Lol.

"Oh but he landed on Inoue..."

That punch was Nery waking the monster.

 

What do you mean what happened?

He landed his shot and it wasn't enough. Inoue then knocked him out.

 

he never saw it, had his neck completely relaxed. fighters just dont throw 2 uppers in a row from midrange like that, cause they dont have the quickness to land em without getting countered. inoue is one who can.

 

the presence of mind to see the moment is what impressed me. this was not a practiced shot. he didnt do drills to perfect that shot. he just saw it and is gifted enough to take advantage.

 

Takuma sucks

 

That was Inoues wake up call that if he goes to 126lbs the Mexican gaunlet will **** him in half.

 

The 5th round knockdown was even better IMO. The punch traveled maybe 6 inches but there was enough power in it to knock Nery down very hard. That was the beginning of the end.