Nothing unexpected took place at the Ariake Arena in Japan on Tuesday as undisputed junior featherweight champion, Naoya Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs), dispatched TJ Doheny (26-5, 20 KOs) in seven rounds. The most noteworthy news came afterwards as Bob Arum made an announcement that many have hoped for.
"I told (Inoue) it was another great performance. I understand he'll be coming back here to Tokyo to defend his title again at the end of the year. And then we're taking him to the United States for a big celebration in Las Vegas," said the chairman of Top Rank, who was ringside.
For stateside fans it will most likely be their last chance to see this Japanese phenom, who skyrocketed to fame in his home country to a point that fighting in America -- unlike for many other boxers -- would mean taking a bit of a haircut financially.
Naoki Fukuda
His bout versus Luis Nery back in May was staged at the famed Tokyo Dome (where Mike Tyson was famously upset by Buster Douglas in 1990) in front of over 50,000 fans. There wasn't quite the buzz for this event, and it took place in front of 'only' 15,000 this time around.
But make no doubt about it, any time 'the Monster' plies his trade, it's significant in the boxing world. In an era when boxers are so inactive, Inoue is, at least by today's standards -- a busy fighter. The stoppage of Doheny was his fourth since last summer. To put this into perspective, this was his third fight since his victory over Stephen Fulton. Since that point, Fulton still has not fought. He will finally get back into the ring in a couple of weeks on the Canelo undercard.
Naoki Fukuda
This activity not only keeps Inoue sharp, it probably explains some of his burgeoning popularity. The logic is very simple - fans cannot cheer on anyone that simply does not perform. There's a reason why the likes of Michael Jackson or Phil Collins (and yes, I know I'm dating myself) had to continually put out new albums and go on concert tours. Fans want to be fed content, or they become disinterested.
It's difficult to live off greatest hits albums.
While other sports give us more games and content, boxing gives us less of what we want. Don't believe me, look at the activity rate of the elite fighters at the end of each year. The numbers go down every year, and are a far cry from the 1990's.
Inoue is that rare boxer who seems to understand that a career, like time, is finite. Youth is wasted on the young, they say. Well, today's generation has wasted their youth -- and their physical primes.
Naoki Fukuda
Against Doheny, we didn't necessarily see the most spectacular or explosive version of Inoue. It was more of a workmanlike effort. Doheny, a former belt-holder at 122, is a solid competent boxer from his southpaw stance. He had pockets of success from rounds three to five. But in the sixth, Inoue ramped up the pressure and began to visibly impact Doheny with body blows.
The following round saw Inoue put his foot on the gas pedal, and he struck the challenger with a body shot that had Doheny effectively waving the white flag in the opening stages of round seven. It looked to be some sort of back ailment. Mike Tyson would most likely say it was ''spinal''.
Naoya Inoue Stays Undisputed vs TJ Doheny | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
Just like that it was over.
Naoki Fukuda
It was announced that Inoue would be fighting in late December, most likely against Sam Goodman (who is his IBF mandatory). That may not satisfy some, who believe that Inoue needs to face the likes of Gervonta Davis -- who has fought as high as junior welterweight -- to earn their approval. It says something about the high standards of Inoue that he came under some criticism for taking on a tuneup bout with Doheny, who just happens to be rated seventh in the division by Ring Magazine. Goodman is rated fourth.
The question then is: would Inoue cap off his run at 122 by facing the top rated contender in the WBA, Murodjon Akhmadaliev (a one-time unified champion in this division)? It's the opinion of more than one pundit that 'MJ' is the most difficult foe for him in this weight class. Should Inoue defeat him, that means he will have downed six of the seven top rated boxers in the division (per Ring Magazine).
It would be an unprecedented run. (Again, do you hold your favorite boxers to that same standard?)
Naoki Fukuda
But yeah, it looks like his return to America is happening in 2025. It's conveniently forgotten about by those with certain agendas that he has already fought three times in the States. But he wasn't the transcendent figure he is today. Mark these words: that event will be a hot ticket no matter who he faces.
There is now talk of a showdown in the future with three-division champion, Junto Nakatani. This would be one of the most anticipated bouts in Japanese boxing history.
As always, Inoue gives us something to look forward to.
