Japanese boxing sensation Naoya Inoue solidified his status as a global force in the boxing world by securing a remarkable two-division undisputed championship in a thrilling bout held at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Inoue delivered a spectacular performance, culminating in a 10th-round knockout of the resilient Marlon Tapales, who fought valiantly throughout the contest.
Inoue, who improved his ring record to 26 wins, 23 by knockout, added the WBC and WBO titles to his collection, complementing the WBA and IBF belts he had claimed earlier in the year by defeating Stephen Fulton Jr.
This remarkable achievement came in just two fights since entering the 122 lb. division, showcasing Inoue’s exceptional skill and adaptability. It’s worth noting that this victory came slightly over a year after he completely unified the 118 lb. division.
The 30-year-old boxing maestro displayed his dominance over Tapales, skillfully measuring up his opponent throughout the match. In the fourth round, Inoue unleashed a devastating one-two combination, resulting in a knockdown for the determined Filipino challenger.
Despite Tapales’ unwavering resolve, he found himself predominantly on the defensive, sporadically attempting to counter with one or two punches, none of which posed a serious threat to Inoue.
Tapales, a 31-year-old southpaw, exhibited resilience by continuously seeking adjustments and avenues to secure victory. However, he struggled to find a foothold against the superior and physically imposing Inoue.
The end came in the tenth round with Inoue’s power and skill on full display once again as he managed to put Tapales down, sealing the match with a knockout at 1:02.