Naoya Inoue survived an opening-round knockdown to stop Luis Nery in the sixth round to retain his Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title.
Inoue started the fight in orthodox, but it was Nery with the early success. The Mexican’s jab was on point, landing a left hook to the body. The challenger made Inoue pay with the same shot, dropping him with a left hook for the first time in his career. The champion got up and connected with an uppercut in a pulsating opener.
Inoue Dropped
Both fighters exchanged in the second, with Inoue blocking the left hook after the knockdown. Nery stepped forward with another left hook, but Inoue returned the favour. The champion landed his left hook on the counter and dropped Nery.
Inoue Responds
Inoue’s confidence increased as he had Nery stumbling. The Japanese was landing hooks to the body, as he began to take control in a solid fourth.
The fifth round spelt trouble for Nery. Inoue landed a cross and left hook and a counter right hook to the head. The pressure told as Inoue connected with another left hook to send Nery down. The challenger got up, but his hands were low, getting hit with numerous punches. Somehow, Nery made it out of the round.
Inoue In Control
The pressure eventually told. Inoue’s customary right hand landed, sending Nery’s head popping back, as the Mexican went through the ropes. With Nery’s vision looking compromised, the referee stopped the fight. The win took Inoue’s record to 27-0 with 24 KO wins.
Post-Fight
“This is the first Tokyo Dome boxing event in 34 years, I’m so happy to be here. A big surprise happened in the first round!” You can say that again. Actually, that happening gave me good motivation and attention. I don’t remember anything that my dad told me during the intermission [after the knockdown], but that gave me motivation and focus until the end of the fight. I know there is some bad feeling for Nery among Japanese fans, but I have respect for him and that’s why I shook hands with him after the fight,” Inoue said
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