Undisputed 122 lb. world champ and Japanese legend, Naoya "The Monster" Inoue fought well enough against his taller, tough, countryman Junto Nakatani to retain his titles in wild atmosphere in Tokyo Saturday night.
In the battle of unbeaten vs. unbeaten in arguably the biggest championship fight in Japanese history, "The Monster" Naoya Inoue defended his four belt undisputed featherweight world titles with a 12 round unanimous decision over former unified bantamweight champ Junto Nakatani. The bout capped a Saturday night fight card in the electric atmosphere of the Tokyo Dome, as more than 55,000 were in attendance to watch their hero Inoue win for a remarkable 28th consecutive time in a world title fight.
This was the Monster's fifth fight since the beginning of last year and it was against the taller southpaw in Nakatani. And clearly Inoue, who was giving up 3 inches in height and 5 inches in reach had trouble getting to the inside of Nakatani for the first part of the fight. However, the champ was more effective in landing early, even if only occasionally, as Nakatani seemed tentative to throw little more than right jabs and an occasional punch.
After building up the early lead, Inoue, now 33-0, 27 KOs, saw Nakatani, a three division world champ, finally began to find the range in the 7th round and open up with combinations. Although, Inoue fired back and in particular, had success inside with the right uppercut.
Nakatani's best round to that point of the fight was the 8th, where he landed several combinations on the champion and brought roars from the crowd. Next, in the 9th round both fighters exchanged in the middle of the ring and it was obvious that Inoue's left eye was bruising and beginning to get puffy.
So, the drama was building for the finish.
Then, during an action packed exchange in the 10th round, there was a clash of heads and Nakatani, now 32-1, suffered a nasty gash on his forehead just above his left eyebrow. The fight stopped for approximately 60 seconds and the doctor checked the cut and allowed Nakatani to continue. Nakatani scored with a left hook, but the Monster connected on a right-left at the bell.
Nakatani's corner did an excellent job after the 10th round of stopping the blood flow, but Inoue stepped on the gas and began to land with more combinations, including more right uppercuts inside and left hooks behind it.
Inoue, then controlled the action in the 12th round and was the busier more effective fighter to put the decision away. He won 116 - 112 on two of the cards and 115 - 113 on the third one for the victory.
The win already adds to the illustrious hall of fame resume' that the Monster has, as he was previously the undisputed four belt champion in the bantamweight division, as well.
After the contest was over the champion gave his thoughts in the ring through a translator
"Thank you everyone for coming. I have appreciation to Junto for fighting me tonight, he said on the PA. "A year ago at the ceremony I called out to Junto to fight me. And, a year later it happened. And, it happened because we were both undefeated for a year. So, thank you do much everyone for your support."
When asked about the challenger?
"I have appreciation to Junto for fighting me tonight. A year ago at the ceremony I called out to Junto to fight me. And, a year later it happened. And, it happened because we were both undefeated for a year. So, thank you do much everyone for your support. Inoue said."
"This victory is very valuable for me because Junto Nakatani is a top pound for pound top ranking athlete. So, I got this win and this a very valuable and important win for me."
He was then asked about the atmosphere?
"Thank you so much for coming to see my fight. 55,000 people. This view. This is amazing. I definitely will come back to the Tokyo Dome to fight for you guys. Please keep rooting for me, support me and I'll come back."
And finally about his future?
"I think I need to rest for a little bit. I had four fights (last year) and then, this fight at Tokyo Dome tonight. I have been so busy and I've been spending so many intensive days. So, please give me a rest."
And, after a bit of a rest, I'll discuss with Mr. Ohasi and my dad about future bouts. So, please wait for a little bit.
"Everybody thank you so much for waiting for this to happen for a year. I'll take a little bit of rest and I'll come back. Please come back to the venue to watch my fight. Thank you for your support always."
Inoue has won seven straight undisputed defenses and has cleaned out virtually every contending fighter at 122 lb. So, there's some belief he may try to move up to featherweight. However, there may be some concern for that as he clearly had problems Saturday with a bigger, taller fighter at 122 lb.
There is also anticipation and speculation that in Inoue might end up fighting American multi-division world champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez at a later date. However, for now, arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world was good enough on Saturday night to beat yet another unbeaten big time fighter and continue his amazing unbeaten career.