Naoya Inoue's Victory Marred by Injury: A Disappointing End to a Highly Anticipated Bout

Naoya Inoue

Naoya Inoue continued his unbeaten streak and retained his undisputed super bantamweight titles on Saturday night at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. However, the win over TJ Doheny wasn’t the dramatic knockout fans were hoping for. Instead, the fight ended anticlimactically in the seventh round after Doheny suffered a sudden injury that left both fighters and fans with a sense of unfinished business.

Inoue, known for his relentless power and finishing ability, was just beginning to find his rhythm as the match progressed. After controlling most of the action through the first five rounds, Inoue's calculated aggression started to break down Doheny’s defenses in the sixth round. His powerful body shots were clearly taking their toll on the seasoned southpaw, whose movement slowed significantly. It seemed that the “Monster,” as Inoue is known, was poised to deliver his signature knockout in the upcoming rounds.

But the fight took an unexpected turn early in the seventh round. Doheny, who had shown flashes of resilience despite Inoue’s onslaught, suddenly pulled up, seemingly unable to continue. While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, it appeared that Doheny's back had stiffened up, rendering him unable to defend himself effectively. The referee had no choice but to call the fight, awarding Inoue a technical knockout victory at just 16 seconds into the round.

While Inoue’s victory ensures his reign over the super bantamweight division continues, the manner in which it came left much to be desired. The crowd, which had been buzzing in anticipation of another explosive finish from Inoue, was left with a bittersweet taste. Still, Inoue’s record now stands at an impressive 28-0, with 25 knockouts, underscoring his dominance in the sport.

The anticlimactic end may not have been the highlight reel finish that Inoue is known for, but it does nothing to diminish his status as one of boxing’s most feared champions. As he continues his quest for greatness, fans can only hope that the next chapter in his storied career delivers the fireworks they’ve come to expect.